Celebrate Family Day weekend with the OFAH

Celebrate Family Day weekend with the OFAH

Family Ice Fishing Day shifted to OFAH/Mario Cortellucci Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre on Feb. 13

Ontario Family Fishing Events (OFFE) offers a great opportunity for families to get outdoors and do a little ice fishing each year.

Through OFFE Canadian residents are able to fish Ontario waters licence-free for a three-day period starting Feb. 13 at 12:01 a.m. through Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. The licence-free fishing event encourages anglers both young and old to drop a line, start jigging and reel in the big catch.

However, unfavourable weather conditions have resulted in some event cancelations across the province leading up to the weekend – including here in the Peterborough area where we made the decision to cancel the annual OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day that was scheduled for Chemong Lake in Ennismore.

OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day will still go on though, albeit with a different format. While past years we have helped introduce more than 1,000 people to ice fishing, safety is paramount so instead of venturing out onto the ice, the OFAH is hosting a day full of free family events at the OFAH/Mario Cortellucci Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre. The event runs from 10 a.m to 4 p.m and organizers are eager to share their outdoors passion with those who are excited to learn.

Saturday’s events will feature use of the Excalibur Archery Range and Stoeger Airgun Range lure making, casting challenge and 2D fly tying. The unique wildlife featured at the Heritage Centre will also be on display, while a movie is scheduled for the amphitheatre. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served, in addition to a barbeque from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a prize for every child and a grand prize draw at 3 p.m.

Admission and all activities are FREE.

“While it is unfortunate that we couldn’t safely get out for some ice fishing during these licence-free days, this event will still provide an opportunity for families to enjoy some outdoor-based activities,” says Angelo Lombardo, executive director of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). “It will be a great way to spend some quality time during the Family Day weekend. We hope you come out and join us.”

The Ontario Family Fishing Events is led by a steering committee comprised of partners that includes representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association. For more information, including a complete list of events, visit www.ontariofamilyfishing.com, follow on Facebook and Twitter (@onfamfish).

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is Ontario’s largest, non-profit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, representing 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters and 725 member clubs. To learn more, visit www.ofah.org and follow us on Facebook (ofah.org/facebook) and Twitter (@ofah).

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