This is the 58th year for Pow Wow Days in Lac La Biche, and with the Community Fish Fry event being a major (and one of the oldest) part of the mid-July festivities, this year will mark a continuation of this local tradition that is more than 50 years old.
Previously during Pow Wow Days, there has always been two separate fish fry events — the Community Fish Fry and the Seniors' Fish Fry. This year's Fish Fry — that is being organized in association with the local Rotary Club — is going to be slightly different, says Lavon Fleming, a member of the Lac La Biche Pow Wow & Fish Derby Association.
"This year, we have partnered with the Lac La Biche Rotarians. We are very fortunate to have a community group such as them to help us with the event. This year, we have combined the Seniors' Fish Fry with the Community Fish Fry, and it allows the community and families to come together rather than be segregated," she said.
For those who are wondering about the type of fish that will be served at the event, be ready to get a taste of Manitoba, as this year the Northern Pike will be brought in from there. With the fish fry event being a major highlight of the Pow Wow Days, organizers are hoping to attract a crowd in the hundreds — just like the previous years. The annual gathering is also an opportunity for organizers to present awards to seniors and other locals based on their contributions to the community.
"This time we will be serving Northern Pike. We anticipate 300-400 people... That's typically the case. We will be presenting to our senior citizen and our citizen of the year, and that is for their dedication to the community in terms of volunteering and growing community pride and spirit," Fleming said.
For many years, area local Sophie Hamar and her family has managed the Seniors' Fish Fry. In order to acknowledge and appreciate Hamar's hard work throughout the years, organizers from the Pow Wow & Fish Derby Association are planning to present her a plaque and a bouquet of flowers.
"She has been doing that (Seniors' Fish Fry) for over 20 years," said Fleming.
Members from the Pow Wow & Fish Derby Association are hoping to see community support and participation at the fish fry event, and in order to encourage locals, Fleming extends an invitation to the community members to join in the fun.
"The association would like to invite community members and guests to join us in our annual community fish fry. It is an opportunity to visit with old acquaintances and support our senior and citizen of the year volunteers. We are very thankful for the Rotarians to assisting us and work with us... A special thanks to the Plamondon Co-op for providing volunteers and reduced pricing for the menu items... It just strengthens our community pride and spirit," she said.
The community fish fry will be on Thursday, July 11 at the Curling Rink. The event starts at 5 pm.
