Reader here! Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, whatever you’ve been up to.
Me? I’ve been spending the day relaxing after a great Saturday in Swan River!
I had the pleasure of being invited back to serve as the roving MC for the 37th annual Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. Banquet and Membership Supper, at the Swan River Curling Club.
It’s always one of my favourite events to be a part of every year, with great food, lots of activities going on throughout the evening, and a huge crowd of friends there to have a great time, to support a fantastic cause.
Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. works to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy outdoor pursuits like fishing, in a number of ways, whether its stocking the lakes with fish, improving spawning habitat, and the installation and improvement of trails, angling docks and signage.
SVSFE also works to provide educational opportunities, such as youth fish camps, school fishing trips, and providing bursaries for graduating students looking to pursue a career in the environmental or natural resource fields.
They also take part in research projects and data sharing, to ensure that anglers and those wishing to enjoy the waterways throughout the Swan Valley can get the maximum enjoyment from the outdoors.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, and the money raised by the banquet goes toward all of these endeavours.
As the crowd filed in, the were able to check out all of the items up for auction, whether it be via live auction, silent auction of ticket auction.
One of the main events of the evening is always the meal. You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again… it’s some of the best fish you will ever eat. I don’t know what magic they put in the batter, but whether its deep-fried or pan fried, it is amazing.
I was able to have a quick bite to eat before the doors opened, and as always, I was more than satisfied. I just to be careful to not over eat, and make myself sleepy! Haha!
And it was a good thing I ate before the crowd arrived – I might have been in line for a while!
Not only was there the delicious walleye, but there was pork loin, potatoes, coleslaw, beans, cake for dessert… so much food and so good!
As well, for those who were a bit hungry before supper was served, there was an hors d’oeuvre table with smoked salmon, goldeye, lake trout and whitefish, to take the edge off of our hunger pangs.
Of course, the food wasn’t the only attraction, as there were a number of games to enjoy, including the casting contest, and something new – minnow scooping. This game saw you attempt to scoop as many minnows as possible into a container, with one catch – your scoop would degrade and eventually break, so you had to be quick and careful, all at the same time!
Meanwhile, another fan favourite was back, as throughout the evening, crowds gathered around to put their money down on the minnow races!
As well, there was SVSFE president Todd Yakielashek made delivered some brief remarks thanking everyone for coming out, and Stefano from Manitoba’s fisheries ministry gave a brief presentation on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). His information table drew many visitors over the course of the evening.
After all of the fundraising auctions were complete, it was time to make the draws for the 50/50 and the fishing boat!
And a big congrats to the winner of the 50/50, who took home $10,295, with a total pot of $20,590!
It was a super fun evening, getting to meet lots of new folks, and renew acquaintances with some that I hadn’t seen in a while. I even got to have a quick chat with Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa Conservative M.P. Dan Mazier!
A great time was had by all, and I want to give a big shout out to everyone at Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc, from president Todd Yakeilashek, to the great crew, including Duane, Phil, Brock, Holly, Cheryl, and the Matts.
A shoutout to DJ Johnny as well, for providing the tunes and running the mic for me to roam around with all night.
And once again, thank you to the volunteer crew from Northern Resources that whipped up another fish fry, that was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance!
Oh, and before I forget, I also want to give a shout out to a couple of young fellows by the names of Isaac and Henry. These little guys were having lots of fun all night long, playing the games, and wanting to help out with the prize draws.
But at one point, toward the end of the night, they came up to me and wanted to give me something. And they handed me a fishing lure!
It’s been a while since I’ve been out fishing, but next time I go, I’ll definitely make sure to try this out. Thanks, guys!
You can’t beat the great hospitality in the Swan Valley!
Thanks for a great evening, and I’m already looking forward to next year!
