Big reward again offered at modified ERGC contest

The 62nd annual Elk Rod and Gun Club ice-fishing contest will look a little different this year, but attendees will still have the chance to win numerous prizes, including $20,000 for catching Old Bugler.

Bugle Lake has been stocked for the contest that runs noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The biggest prize is Old Bugler, though there is also a $250 prize for Young Bugler — both will be specially marked. The people who catch those fish won’t be eligible for the largest trout prizes, which include $500 for first place, $400 for second, $300 for third, $200 for fourth, $100 for fifth, $50 for sixth-through-10th and $25 for 11th-through 20th.

Cash drawings will be offered with winnings ranging from $25 to $1,000. There will also be a special drawing with three prizes, $5,000 for first place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third. The winners need not be present to claim the prize.

There will also be various raffles at the contest.

The first-place winner in one raffle will take home a Ruger Stainless 1911 .45 ACP handgun or $500; second place a Henry Golden Boy or $500 and third place a 10pt Titan Crossbow with ACU draw or $500. Tickets for a AR243 Snow Camo rifle and a membership raffle will be sold separately.

Attendees will also have options for food as drive-up charcoal chicken begins serving at 11 a.m. Those who plan to drive-up to purchase food or tickets are asked to begin on Jefferson St. and go east toward City Hall Park, then south on Second Street toward City Hall.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ERGC has implemented a number of safety protocols. Instead of having one big tent in which people could gather, there will be five or six smaller tents. There also won’t be a band playing at the contest this year.