The Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing Association held its annual Kid’s Ice Fishing Derby on March 23 on Rogue Lake at the Decanter Inn at Mile 107 of the Sterling Highway. There was a great turnout of kids and families for a fun-filled day.

Thanks to the gracious sponsors Sweeney’s Clothing, Trustworthy Hardware, Dairy Queen, Jumpin’ Junction and Jersey Subs for helping make this such a great day.

With spring arriving so early this year we had some concerns about the ice, but thank you to Jason Moody, who spent his time Friday evening drilling holes and checking the ice for safety. Jason also spent his entire day Saturday out on the ice assisting the kids and helping insure that everyone had a great time.

Melissa Hawkins and KaSondra Moody deserve a great big thank you for rounding up plenty of hot dogs, snacks and prizes for all the attendees and spending their time with the families and kids.

Sissy Bird made sure we had a fire to dry gloves and warm up in between catches. Thank you also to Jimmie Hale, Bob Chesley and the folks at the Decanter Inn for all their help in making this function such a success.

Congratulations to our big winner of the day, Trigger Moody in the 1- to 5-year-old bracket, with the first fish of the day and the most fish for the day. Trigger ended his day with a great catch of two fish and won himself his own ice fishing pole and gear.

Anthony Payne in the 6– to 10-year-old bracket also took home a prize for the first fish in his age bracket.

The Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing Association held its last function for the ice season and would like to express a sincere thank you to all who make the season possible. Thank you to the sponsors who help keep the vehicles on the track, the volunteers who spend their valuable time keeping the track going, the great folks at the Decanter Inn for the use of the lake and a warm place to enjoy race days, and the spectators and fans for coming out and supporting the racers.

Enjoy your summer and look for us again in the new year.