It comes with much regret that the Camp Joslin/Barton Center Ice Fishing Tournament Committee has formally cancelled the upcoming derby scheduled for this Saturday. The reasons for the cancellation are stated below and we hope that all anglers understand that it is in the best interest of our guests in terms of Safety (#1) and Enjoyment (#2).
Note: We have personally checked the ice conditions and parking lot at Memorial beach both yesterday and today... and have been closely watching the weather forecasts all week, including the next few days as well.
1. The parking area at Memorial Beach has not been plowed and the town is not intending on clearing it prior to the derby... as their equipment is committed (heavily) elsewhere in town.
2. The edges under the heavy snow pack are getting soft and beginning to break with any extra weight.... largely due to the runoff/melt from the shore/land/ramp; also alot of water rushed through the few holes we drilled... so we couldn't imagine the situation if a large amount of holes were to be drilled at once
3. The ice is 7-8" thick, but there are many open holes under the thick snow pack (we came across several that were getting large) - definitely a safety issue
4. If you are questioning #1 to #3 above, please keep in mind this is a family oriented tournament involoving lots of little ones and mostly recreational ice fisherman (vs. die hards like yourselves
) We must keep in mind the safety of all of our guests, including each of you.
We are already beginning to think about next year which is scheduled to be February 15th on Webster Lake (Memorial Beach). We would like to thank each of you for your passion and interest in our derby... and most of all, for your generosity to the cause (curing diabetes).
Thank you again
- Porter, Dan Kenney, Unoman and the rest of the Camp Joslin Derby Committee
P.S. If anyone would still like to donate to the Barton Center cause, please feel free to PM me and I'll get back to you asap.
