What a winter we are having! It hit us so hard and so fast that the Andover Fish and Game Club (AF&G), for the first time in a long time, had to cancel the Al Chadwick Memorial Ice Fishing Derby. February 7 would have been a perfect day for fishing, but the thick, fluffy snow already on the ice prevented even a plow truck from clearing a path. The layer of slippery slush under the snow would have hindered even the most determined angler.

Hopefully, winter will cooperate for the AF&G’s next event, the 31st annual Willis Nowell Memorial Kids Ice Fishing Derby. The Derby, for kids 15 and under, is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, with a bad weather date of Sunday, March 8.

The Derby is being held on Eagle Pond in Wilmot, off of Route 4, from 9:30 AM to 12 PM. Kids may register as early as 9 AM. All tackle and bait will be provided, as well as complimentary refreshments. Lucky prizes, participation ribbons, and trophies for each category of fish will be awarded. Come join us for a fun, family-friendly time on the ice.

Thank you to everyone who has attended our fundraising events, which make it possible for the AF&G to sponsor fun, family-friendly experiences like these derbies. An important mission of the AF&G is to educate the public, particularly children, about the outdoors, wildlife, and outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing. We always appreciate your support.

Thank you, as well, to Club members and their families and supporters of the AF&G who donate time, money, and supplies to our events.