Sam Frink J347 Blog

Over thirty local ice fisherman ventured out onto Lake Beulah in hopes of catching the fish that would win them the $100 prize in the 8th annual UW-Whitewater fishing team’s Ice Fishing Jamboree fundraiser.

The angler with the who registered the largest fish, and the winner of the $100 cash prize, was Chuck Nelson, of Delavan, who brought in a 36 inch Pike.

Double D’s Pub and Eatery in Mukwonago was the epicenter of the all day raffles for everything from ice fishing gear to custom meats. Double D’s also served as the check in station for the fisherman and their catch.

The UW-Whitewater fishing team welcomed the mild temperatures on Saturday as they had had bitter cold temperatures in 2016 that were a factor in last years poor turnout.

“After last year we really couldn’t have asked for better weather,” said senior Steve Nebel, president of the UW-Whitewater Fishing Team. “It’s been cold enough that we have safe Ice, and the warm sunny day definitely helped the turn out”.

Expecting a larger turnout, the team stocked up on more prizes than years past in an effort to give everyone a chance at winning something.

According to Nebel, the team reaches out to their sponsors each year for the majority of the prizes for the raffle, including the grand prize, a propane fueled power ice auger.

Raffle tickets were sold on campus as well as at Double D’s all day leading up to the drawing for the auger, as well as fishing rods, branded sweatshirts, and more ice fishing gear.

Besides Nelson, the big winner was 3-month-old, Eric Taylor whose father, Paul, filled out a raffle ticket with Eric’s name on it.

“I think I was more excited than him (Eric) when they called his name. I just hope he lets me use it,” said Taylor.

Nebel, and the team agreed that they considered the fundraiser a success, and hope that they get another mild day with safe ice again next year.

Amish buggies, the smell of buttery corn on the cob, and funnel cakes all give the warm central Indiana fall a unique midwestern, or hoosier charm, that attracts visitors from all over to the region.
*Rockville Indiana, the county seat of Parke County is and has been the epicenter of the 10-day Covered Bridge Festival, and the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World” every October since 1957. However, this county-fair type atmosphere spills out over the other three towns in Parke County, who also have vendors and local history within minutes of each other for visitors to visit. All while driving scenic country roads full of fall color, through the iconic bridges on the way to their next destination.
2016 marks the 60th year of this Indiana tradition, however visitors who have been coming for generations won’t notice much change from this October to the first festival in 1957.
“The familiarity is something that attracts visitors”, said Kelsey Canfield, Parke County Incorporated Executive Secretary. “People like to come to our festival and see that in our fast paced world, there are somethings that hardly ever change”.
“The festival includes the work of many local artists from wood carvers, to painters who all create pieces inspired by the bridges,” said Canfield.
“Growing up around these bridges, creeks, and hollows is something that I took for granted, until I moved to Indianapolis,” said Missy Foxworthy a local watercolor artist. “But ever since coming back from college I have a new appreciation for how beautiful our county is.”
Parke County has limited lodging for the large numbers of tourists that come each fall. So if you can’t find a room at one of the few hotels in Rockville the best option is the Turkey Run State Park lodge just a few minutes outside of Rockville.
However Turkey Run State Park also books fast, as of 2016 rooms are booked for next years festival one year and for some rooms two years in advance.
“We get more calls than any other park in the state,” said Tara Puckett a clerk at Turkey Run. “I would say almost 80 percent are inquiries about these ten days.”
The state park offers hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing, through the limestone cliffs. The canoe trip even takes you underneath two of the famous covered bridges.
If the outdoors aren’t really your thing, relaxing in front of the fireplace in the great room, while waiting for dinner in the dining room is another popular choice.
If you can’t seem to find a reservation anywhere, or you want to be more in touch with the outdoors campsites are available through the state park.
To book a visit to the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World” during next year’s festival or for more information on lodging, and dining; call (765)-569-5226, or visit www.coverdbridges.com.