If you’re fishing for a good time this weekend, head over to Georgian College for anything and everything you need to know about ice fishing.
The Canadian Ice Fishing Expo returns to Barrie for its third year but has outgrown the venue it got its start. Organizer David MacDonald told BarrieToday that the Sadlon Arena (formerly the BMC) was a great place to be, but he is proud of needing a bigger space this year.
“The Sadlon Arena was great to us and definitely served its purpose the last couple of years,” said MacDonald. “But we grew pretty fast and needed more floor space for the many vendors and seminars.”
The event concept was created by passionate hardwater angler Mike Magill who saw a need for a show like this in the region. MacDonald and his brother Mike MacDonald run ACE Productions and used their event management experience to help execute the show properly and grow it year by year. David MacDonald said that with Lake Simcoe as the most fished inland lake in Ontario, the popularity of the event was a given.
“There was nothing like it in Canada at the time, and being in Barrie it is an ideal location for one of the most popular fishing destinations,” said MacDonald. “The popularity of ice fishing on Lake Simcoe is second to none.”
The Expo will feature seminars for those just starting to ice fish, anyone with years of experience and tips on safety. Published fishing experts Wil Wegman and Gord Pyzer will be on-hand for seminars and to meet fans during the two-day event.
Vendors will be selling fishing gear, huts, clothing and promoting local tourism groups. There will be thousands of prizes given away during the weekend event. Electronics, tackle prize packs, gift Cards, augers, portable ice shelters and a Cabela’s Grand Prize Ice Fishing Package are available.
There will also be a special appearance from teenager Nari Hwang with an important topic of Lake Simcoe preservation.
Ace Productions flagship show is Christmas At Blue (Blue Mountain), which has been voted one of the top three Christmas events in Ontario. The production company is also preparing for their inaugural pop culture event, Fantasticon 2020, which will be held at Georgian College April 17 and 18, 2020.
The Canadian Ice Fishing Expo runs Saturday Dec. 14 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 15 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Georgian College’s Athletic Centre. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased here.
