Wilderness Expo II, staged by the “Li’l Eagles” of the United Native Friendship Centre here, went off without a snag Saturday, drawing many people, including lots of families, to the East End Hall.
“Things have gone well,” organizer Brad Herbert said Saturday afternoon. “It’s a little bit busier in the afternoon but the morning was kinda slow.
“It was the other way round last year,” he noted.
The Lil’ Eagles reached their goal of raising $1,000 to fund their summer outing.
The event featured several appearances by Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship anglers, including Steve Malloy, Steve Ballan, and Lil “Walleye Queen” Pihulak.
“My message is that women can get out there–it’s not just for men,” said Pihulak, who spoke about her outdoor experiences from when she was a child, keeping the audience enthralled–and in stitches.
“The men like their hunting and fishing, and I like mine, too,” she enthused.
But perhaps the biggest hit was the casting competition, where men, women, and children tried their hand at accurately casting at a bull’s eye.
Doug McBride won the men’s division, Corrie Cairnes topped the women, and Mark Kellar took top honours among the children. The person with the highest point total after three casts was declared the winner.
“I’m just happy I took the hook off that thing,” Herbert laughed, noting he had been struck repeatedly in the “head, chest, all over” by the lure.
“I think it’s a fun day for the whole family–good food, a little action, and wonderful prizes,” smiled Fay Bombay as she watched the casting competition.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
