INUVIK
Nearly 100 people took advantage of the warm weather and sunshine last weekend to hit the ice for the second annual Fishing Challenge in support of the Children First Society.

Rachel Blakeston, centre, Xavier Sommerfield, and Milo Dares admire a fish caught by John Williams, left, at the Ice Fishing Challenge April 16. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"The main focus was to create a community event that everybody can embrace," said organizer Jay Blakeston. "It's great being out on the land, and we raised some money for Children First, so I think we accomplished that."

With about 80 entrants, the derby followed a similar model as last year with more prizes.

A total of 31 fish were caught.

Biggest fish went to Dawn Keim, no stranger to ice fishing, but a first-timer in Inuvik.

"I'm just out here to have fun, as cheesy as it sounds," she said. "It's just nice to be outside."

Kara Beveridge won the derby last year. She lives not too far from the site on the East Channel of the Mackenzie River and made the short trek to take part April 16.

"I thought I'd come down, have some fun," she said. "It's a good event. I like that it's something for the community, that it gets everyone out."

Last year, Blakeston said participants raised $2,700 for the Children First Centre and that he was cautiously optimistic that this year would be even better.

"We have more prizes for the events, which now include cash prizes for the top categories," he said. "We lean heavily on our sponsors in this type of event. We want to create an event they can be proud to support."

Blakeston said that although the challenge is a fundraiser, he mostly hopes people left with a better sense of community.

"I hope they recognize it as a fun community event," he said. "Anyone can participate in it, and it's fun for everyone."