Fishing tournament supports good cause

Winter is off to a great start, and this event shows the its best side.

That was the message from Matt Pryce, president of the Greater Barrie Home Builders Association, as he spoke about the third annual Ice Fishing Tournament that is being held on Feb. 23.

And with over $50,000 in prizes up for grabs - this event guarantees to be a real winner - in many respects. Habitat for Humanity Barrie will receive a portion of the proceeds of this year's tournament, which will be held on Barrie's Kempenfelt Bay.

Although the fishing time

is scheduled from noon until

3 p.m., registrants are

February

treated to breakfast by the

Rotary Clubs of Barrie and lunch by Enbridge Gas. Registrants will be allowed on the ice to select their holes beginning at 8:30 a.m. for the first 150, while "as registered" groups of 200 will select after that.

"You can register on the day-of the event," Pryce said.

"But you won't have access to the ice to pick your hole until 11:30 a.m."

Corporate sponsor Direct Energy and some of its industry partners such as Rheem Canada, Redmond/Williams, GSW and Rinnai will be backing the tournament with more than financial support. Sue Cerilli of Direct Energy confirms that over 50 Direct Energy volunteers will be on hand to help.

"We're very excited about this event," she said. "This is our third year as corporate sponsor and we're proud to partner with the Greater Barrie Home Builders Association and its community focus."

The prize list features a utility vehicle, an ATV, home theatre package, and a snow machine - just a few of the more than $50,000 in prizes to be given away. It's not just avid fishermen who get involved either.

Last year's winning fish weighed in at five pounds - and the smallest fish, winning an aluminum boat - was measured in ounces.

Registration is $80 per hole. For more information, call the GBHBA office at 728-5030 or register at http://www.icefishingbarrie. ca.