Should the Eelpout Festival stay in Walker?????

[leechpouter]

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on the Eelpout festival? This is the last year it has to be in Walker and I've heard they want to move it to Mille Lacs. I know this will hurt the town's economy again if it was moved. What do you think???

[caseymcq]

I couldn't think of it being any place else. Moving 'pout fest from Walker as ridiculous as moving the Winter Olympics to the Bahamas.

[silveroddo]

As much as it would suck for it to be anywhere else, it is a privately owned venue, and if the owner thinks they can make more money with it somewhere else then hey, thats their choice. I don't see what the point in buying it just to move it would be however, they have a routine and local support to hold it where it is (for the most part). If you wanted it somewhere else, why not just start it on your own? That and if it really did move somewhere would it really be that hard to just create another fetival with a different name to replace it here? Theres been rumors about the festival going else where for quite awhile (years), I'd like to see somthing substantial about an intention to move it before I'd believe it.

Anyway one thing I'd say would help would be a little more support of the festival, how many people come up to the festival and don't buy a button? 10 bucks is cheap to support the tradition. Theres a bunch of things that would help to keep the festival alive in walker, and even if the owner doesn't plan on moving the festival people should really step up a little and look at the big picture, get your buddies to buy buttons, keep your group in line a little bit, I know the idea is to have some fun but there is a line somewhere. Another thing that might make it interesting is if the top 10 pout weren't caught by 8 locals, I know old habits die hard, but some people need to grow up at some point, its not a contest if your fishing 10 times longer than the other guy. Just my .02

Anyway we'll be there for sure, and if the contest moves elsewhere next year, our group'll still be out on leech the weekend after Valentines day, kickin back, maybe wetting a line, and having a good time.

[lookin4fish]

i'll be there supporting it! i hope it never leaves. tradition is just that, tradition. it is something unique to walker, and is often featured in national publications like field and stream. walker would never get this publisity if it wernt for the eelpout festival. weather you are a local and hate it, or an out of towner that partakes in it, it is a boost for northern minnesota, and all the towns that people travel through to get there. small towns are dieing off one by one, and i for one dont want to see that. i know money drives it all but when eelpout festival moves to lake minnetonka becasue it makes more money, i wont be there! support your local hookers, and make a trip to the festival!

[Gordie]

the pout festival is a walker tradition and should stay that way. It is a blast to go pout'in and I myself just couldnt see it being anywhere else.

Its sad but why does it half to always be about money. I know that I just opened another can of pout bait but come on!

[Scott M]

I too want to see it stay in Walker, however, those that have lived in Walker know that it is a tourist trap. There are more gimmicky sales and town festivals in the summer than I have seen in any other town. Granted that is the summer, and things are a little different in the winter.

I don't think the owner will move it, because people like those that have responded wouldn't come. Walker Bay is a great place for it because everything is right there. It is the deepest part of the lake and probably one of the best spots for pout. Would you drive up to LOW for this event? For many of you, the answer is no. Would it be the same on Mille Lacs in 20' of water away from all the activities on land? No.

[dirtking]

I do not think I would attend if the festible was not in Walker!

[Boar]

Ya know I have never been to the pout fest, I have a chance on going this year but unsure as of now, I know, shame on me. but I do support the Idea of it staying in walker. But.... how about a branch pout fest. Jan. on Lake of the woods. Feb. on Leech an early march on Milacs. Although I have heard of people trying to organize a pout fest on LOW but to much arguing about which resort is to host it. Anyway traditions should stay as is or they dissapear. later boar

[HarryG]

I cannot think of the Eel Pout festival anywhere besides Walker. It is what got me hooked on ice fishing in the first place. I think if it were held on Mille Lacs, it would be a different experience. You really get a sample for a real Minnesota Small Town in Walker. I certainly hope it stays in Walker.

[Northlander]

I want it in Walker as well. Mil Lacs would stink for the festival. I like Mil Lacs but I like tradition with some things.

[wasssit]

Walker all the way, were else can you walk up town and party???

[Gadgetman]

If its not in Walker its NOT the eelpout festival

[V-12 Merlin]

Agreed - I think it belongs in Walker. There's are reasons for its success over the years and they're all tied to the town.