By Doug La Rocque
For the 32nd straight year, anglers gathered on the frozen ponds this past Saturday in numbers that exceeded 300 people. The ice was thick but temperatures hovered around 40 degrees, making excellent conditions for the event. [private]Contestants hauled some very large fish out of the State Park’s ponds.
Many people return year after year, but perhaps none more so than the Gundrum family from Petersburgh, who were back for their 21st time. It’s an annual family gathering that has grown to include some of those now living in Vermont and New Hampshire.
It starts about sun-up, with the erection of the portable ice hut, and the drilling of as many as 40 holes on the east end of Mill Pond. The man who does the cooking, known as “Cookie,” gets to work early making the egg sandwiches, and a fire for warming. Lunch of course featured venison chili. Throughout the day grandparents, their children and grandchildren watch for the flags on the tip ups to indicate there is a fish on the line. Big enough often, that at least one member of the family usually takes home a prize. More importantly however, is the chance for the family to gather together again and enjoy the outside activities they love so much and take a solemn moment to remember those who have passed, but are there in spirit.
Park Manager Melissa Ann Miller told The Eastwick Press this is the first year they have scheduled the contest separate from the annual Winterfest. The idea behind the change was to allow park staff to dedicate more time to the contest and see how it would stand on its own. She said it went very well, with an excellent turnout and plenty of enthusiasm. Participating anglers offered positive comments about the change, enjoying having the day dedicated to them and the sport they love.
There were prizes, including cash, for the top catches in each of the three categories of fish. The event sponsored once again by a number of area businesses and the National Heritage Trust, and this year with the help of the Friends of Grafton Lakes. To the left is the list of winners, their hometown, and the size of the fish they caught. [/private]