For More Information, Contact s11

For more information, contact Kathi Nagorski Leary, Communications Director Brainerd Lakes Chamber (218) 822-7128 [email protected] Free food, family fun featured at Minnesota Governor’s fishing opener festivity Community picnic highlights include Gear Daddies, Goldy Gopher, games, giveaways, fireworks, and more

BRAINERD LAKES — It’s a party! Let’s say goodbye winter, hello summer, and let’s go fishing!

As part of the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener festivities in the Brainerd Lakes Area, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, Grand View Lodge, and the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce will host a free community picnic beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, May 9, in downtown Nisswa.

“Come join us in downtown Nisswa as we celebrate the fishing opener in the Brainerd Lakes Area,” said Steve Mau, owner Brainerd General Rental, co-chair of the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. “This is our opportunity to thank the many partners in our state and community who have come together to help us plan an amazing fishing opener, spotlighting our communities. This is a fun family-friendly event to enjoy on a Friday afternoon. Let’s kick off our summer season in grand style.”

Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon, and other state leaders and commissioners, are scheduled to attend the program. After the short program, serving of the free picnic dinner, under the big tent, will begin, featuring the menu of: pulled pork sandwiches – with pork provided by Cloverdale Foods, buns by Wendy’s, with Demon Pig BBQ Sauce; Captain Ken’s baked beans; coleslaw; Frito-Lay chips; bottled water provided by Rohlfing; and Kemp’s ice cream cups, with plates and utensils provided by Cub Foods.

Headlining the live music, from 8:30-10 p.m., will be a reunion concert by the Gear Daddies. Leading up to the Gear Daddies, entertainment will feature performances by the Forestview Seventh Grade Jazz Band, Whitney Cougar Roggenkamp, Collin Smith, and Seth Doud. Following the entertainment, a fireworks display is planned about 10 p.m. over downtown Nisswa. The community picnic will feature more than 65 vendor booths throughout downtown Nisswa, all offering family friendly games and activities. Highlights include National Guard climbing wall, Grand View Lodge golf simulator, Red Bull Fire Engine DJ Booth with Xbox games, Mall of America spin-to-win game, Fishing for Life minnow races, and more. As you stroll through downtown Nisswa, look for Goldy Gopher who will make an appearance at the picnic to pose for photographs with Minnesota fans of all ages. And, there will be a local celebrity fish filleting contest at 5 p.m. Friday.

Visitors to the picnic also can enjoy shopping the downtown Nisswa merchants.

Several regional television and radio stations will broadcast live segments during Friday newscasts from the community picnic. The event is expected to draw more than 5,000 people.

The raffle prize – a 2014 Larson Boat package valued at $38,110 – will be on display and tickets at $5 each will be available. More information on the raffle is available at www.winthisboat.com. Other event sponsors, such as Cabela’s, Gander Mountain, and Mills Fleet Farm, will have display booths and offer games with great giveaways.

About 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener The 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will be hosted by Gov. Mark Dayton and Brainerd Lakes Chamber in collaboration with the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce and Grand View Lodge, the headquarters for the event. The event is being coordinated by Explore Minnesota Tourism, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The 67th annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will spotlight fishing and the many recreational and travel opportunities in the Brainerd Lakes Area. More information can be found at www.mngovernorsopener.com, or via social media, using #GFO2014.