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Family Fishing Derby postponed until Feb.12 due to thin ice
The Family Fishing Derby that was supposed to take place at Horseshoe Lake on Jan. 15 has been postponed to Feb. 12 due to thin ice. As organizers stated, “safety first.”
The Family Fishing Derby for Kids with Cancer has been in existence for the past three years, but what may not be known, is that the history of supporting children through fishing has been alive in the Kootenays for over 50 years.
Long-time local resident of Kimberley, Bill Moffat (1911-1997), played an integral role in fostering children’s growth and involvement in fish and game. Years later, Bill’s initiatives have continued with the Family Fishing Derby for Kids with Cancer involving children and their families from across the Kootenays in an outdoor fishing derby as a local fundraiser.
An outdoor enthusiast of fish and wildlife conservation, Bill dedicated his life to educating others about his passion. Bill founded and created the Junior Fish and Game Club for young boys to learn about good sportsmanship and ethical standards in relation to fish, wildlife, and conservation. The club helped build the Home Basin Campground at Whiteswan Lake and joined a rehabilitation project at Bartholomew Lake near Kimberley.
In addition to mentoring the boys, Bill presented a fish and wildlife program on the local TV station CATV for many years, and wrote a weekly column titled ‘The Great Outdoors’ for the Daily Bulletin. Bill was highly regarded as a fly fisherman and is greatly appreciated for his tremendous dedication of involving others in fish and wildlife activity throughout both Kimberley and much of the East Kootenay.
After learning of the Bill Moffat story, the Family Fishing Derby wanted to carry on his legacy by awarding a Bill Moffat Memorial Trophy to the child with the largest catch at the derby. This past January was the third year of the trophy designation, awarded to Cranbrook’s 11-year-old Justice Hunt for her 41cm catch.
Along with the coveted trophy, there are an abundance of prizes to be won including a 16-foot fishing boat and trailer, as well as a Disneyland vacation with $1,000 spending money for a child battling cancer and their family.
Truly an event for the entire family, there will be children’s games, sleigh rides from the Fort Steele Clydesdales, Adrenaline Dog Sled rides, hot food, a silent auction, 50/50 draw, a chance to play hockey with the Kimberley Dynamiters, and much more.
Make sure to get tickets in advance at Mountain Man Outdoors and Barbers on Ninth in Cranbrook, at Fort Steele Resort and RV Park, at Black Bear Books and Video in Kimberley, or at Extra Foods in Fernie. Join us for a day of fun, prizes, and a little bit of Kootenay tradition on Feb. 12 at Horseshoe Lake for the Fourth Annual Family Fishing Derby!
By Jenny Byford
