Brainerd, MN—The 24th Annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza officials were formally issued an event permit on Tuesday, January 14, by the Crow Wing County Sherriff’s Department. Sheriff Todd Dahl and Sgt. Adam Kronstedt met the Brainerd Jaycees on Gull Lake’s Hole in the Day Bay to verify the ice conditions, and found 17-19” of clear, consistent ice, sufficient for next Saturday’s event, throughout the contest site.

The Extravaganza is on Saturday, January 25th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Each year this event is held on Gull Lake located seven miles north of Brainerd, MN. “The weather leading up to this day has been perfect for the upcoming contest, the ticket sales have been great, and we are ready to go,” said Matt Castle, event chairperson.

The volunteer-run Extravaganza draws more than 10,000 anglers annually who compete for more than $150,000 in prizes. There are 150 prizes including a new Ford or GMC 4×4 Pick-up, Arctic Cat ATVS, Ice Castle Fish Houses to a number of other ice fishing related prizes – not one less than $250 in value.

All proceeds are donated to area non-profit organizations with Confidence Learning Center—an outdoor center for persons with developmental disabilities (www.campconfidence.com)—being the primary beneficiary.

It takes three days to set-up the event site which becomes the second largest city in Crow Wing County that Saturday. There are approximately 20,000 holes pre-drilled for the anglers to choose from. Official information, tickets, and current updates can be found at www.icefishing.org.

The Brainerd Jaycees are a community and leadership development organization for men and women ages 18-40. Founded in 1939 they have grown to over 130 members in the Brainerd Lakes area. Collectively the members of the Brainerd chapter donate over 20,000 hours and $250,000 to area charities and causes each year. For more information on the Brainerd Jaycees visit www.brainerdjaycees.com.