Stir crazy is an understatement when describing the more than 12,000 participants and visitors who descend on Walker, Minn. (pop. 1,069) for four days every February for The Annual International Eelpout Festival. The festival, always a spectacle, is known for providing a mid-winter respite for the many hearty Midwesterners looking for an outlet during a long Minnesota winter. The revelry and gamesmanship that ensues has drawn the curiosity of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and countless media outlets over the years. At the center of the Eelpout Festival is the long-held tradition of angling the world’s only true gamefish and one of the ugliest bottom dwelling catches out there - The Eelpout!
All activities for the 40th Annual International Eelpout Festival are in one convenient location! Join us in front of The Chase on the Lake … in the tent or on the ice you’ll find one of a kind “Chase the Pout” events including:
- Opening Ceremonies (Thursday starting at 6pm): Live music w/Corey Medina in The 502 and Pre-Pout Kick-Off Party in the Chase Big Top Tent.
- 7th Annual Eelpout Beer Pong (Qualifiers – Friday, Championship – Saturday; 3pm – 7pm both days): A Festival favorite! $40 gets your 2-person team into this bracket-style/single elimination contest happening inside the Chase Big Top Tent. Prizes include cash, Eelpout Trophy and merch. For more information and to register, go to:www.eelpoutbeerpong.com
- Pout Curling (Saturday 11am- 2pm): Patrons can throw “The Eelpout Rock” and try “sweeping” to victory. Walker’s local curling club facilitates the “stone-pout” throws and button landings. Pout Curling is located behind the Chase Big Top Tent.
- Chainsaw Carving (Saturday starting at 10am)
- Dog Sled Rides (Saturday 10am- Dark): Experience a K-9 led tour of the grounds … and so mush more starting in front of the Walker Marina.
- Helicopter Rides (Saturday): Located by City Park
- Eelpout Weigh In: This unique “cultural submersion” operates daily, capped with an awards ceremony on (Sunday 9am-10am) in front of The Chase big Top Tent and includes thousands of dollars in prizes for the most pout pounds.
- 6th Annual Kids Perch Jerk (Saturday Noon-1pm): Savings bonds will be awarded to three biggest perch caught. Holes will be drilled for the kids. Parents, just bring poles and bait.
- Polar Pout Kart Races (Saturday 11am-2pm): Lake next to Chase Big Top Tent with trophies and cash prizes!
- Human Whack-A-Mole (Saturday 11am-2pm): Chase Big Top Tent.
Annual must-see and must-try Eelpout traditions:
- Kissing the Pout on the lips is a long-held Minnesota tradition … Not for the faint of heart, but legend says it will provide good luck for the entire year!
- Sip an ice-cold drink at the 50,000 lb Jameson Irish Whiskey ice bar built (literally) on the lake!
- Enjoy the Eelpout Fish Fry including REAL eelpout nuggets.
- Arguably the biggest attraction of the Festival is the ever-growing city of lake encampments (some built from scratch). Tour and immerse yourself in a culture simply too unique to explain to those who “haven’t been” … For example, ever ridden an Ice-Couch Land Cruiser!?
To learn more about the 40th Annual International Eelpout Festival or media inquiries including interviews, photos or on-site access, please contact Michael Deering at 612-360-7789 orKelly Plummer at 651-206-9852.
About Chase on the Lake
Voted as a “Top 5 New Minnesota Hotel” and premier Minnesota resort, Chase on the Lake is a historic resort located on the beautiful shores of Leech Lake in Walker, Minn. Chase’s facilities are designed to serve both personal and professional needs. Amenities include classic hotel lodging accommodations or two and three-bedroom lakeside condos; lakeside dining at The 502 Restaurant; Copper Door, a full-service Aveda spa; Chaser’s Alley, a two-lane bowling alley; great outdoor activities including fishing, boating and beach activities, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more. Additional information found atwww.chaseonthelake.com.
About the International Eelpout Festival
Entering into its 40th year, the Annual International Eelpout Festival attracts more than 10,000 participants and visitors to Walker, Minn. (pop. 1,069) for three days every February. This year’s festival officially begins at 6pm on Thursday Feb. 21 and concludes at noon on Sunday, Feb. 24. All participants must be registered and have in their possession an official International Eelpout Festival button, which may be purchased online (https://www.eelpoutfestival.com/buy-a-button/) at the registration tent in front of Chase on the Lake, or at participating Walker area businesses. Cost of a button is $18. Visit the official site at: www.eelpoutfestival.com
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