Brainerd, MN—The 30th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza has been issued its event permit. On Jan. 16, the Brainerd Jaycees and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department checked ice conditions on Gull Lake’s Hole in the Day Bay and found 16-18 inches of ice throughout the two-square mile contest site. “The 30th anniversary of this event is going to be better than ever, and we are ready to host 10,000 of our closest fishing buddies next Saturday,” said contest chair Jeff Baillif.

The Ice Fishing Extravaganza is world-renowned and has drawn more than 10,000 people annually for nearly 25 years. People and media from across the globe attend this event which is the world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest. “The charitable aspect plus the $200-thousand-dollar prize package is what keeps people coming,” said Angie Nelson, marketing coordinator for the Brainerd Jaycees.

The proceeds of the Ice Fishing Extravaganza are donated to more than 50 area charities with Confidence Learning Center as the primary beneficiary. The Brainerd Jaycees have donated more than $4 million since the event was founded.

The Brainerd Jaycees would like to thank participants, contestants, sponsors and area businesses for their ongoing support. Tickets can be purchased at Brainerd-area outlets and on the ice the day of the contest. Visit icefishing.org for all contest details.