Pickerel came from Gimli

Details

Published on Sunday, February 22, 2015

By Jessie Bell

Rivers and Area Lions Club helds its annual pickerel fy supper on Sunday, Feb. 15 in Rivers Legion Hall. The meal consisted of coleslaw, beans, baked and french fried potatoes, dessert and beverages, all served smorgasbord style. Recently-elected president Don Montague and past-president Jim Boles deep fried fish in the Lions-owned trailer which was parked near the kitchen entrance. The indoor kitchen range and a counter-top gas unit were in use in cooking 200 pounds of fish.

The pickerel came from Gimli and found their way to Little Saskatchewan River, swimming by Elphinstone, Minnedosa, Rapid City and ending at Lake Wahtopanah. It was there they popped into shacks through holes drilled by ice fishermen. The Lions Club went to their rescue, transporting the fish to Rivers!

The club is comprised of both male and female members. They and their helpers kept the lineup to a minimum. Out of town diners came from Virden, Shoal Lake, Strathclair, Souris, Hamiota, Kenton, MacGregor and Rapid City, where there are supporting Lions clubs. There was surprise at the low attendance from Rivers area; however, a total of 172 people enjoyed the supper, plus 31 take-out orders were delivered. Welcomed during the evening was the Lions district governor from Oak Lake. 

David Allen of Rivers was the lucky winner of $70 in the 50/50 draw.

This year (2015) is the 40th anniversary of Rivers and Area Lions Club. In the planning for the celebration is a supper to be held in April. Included in that event will be zone districts of Rapid City, Rivers, Hamiota, Kenton and Oak Lake. These Lions members will emphasize their eager commitment to community support, the fellowship and co-operation they enjoy, and express their hope new members will be encouraged to join, helping to keep their small towns vibrant.