ROXBURY — The 35th annual Larry Mercier Ice Fishing Derby at the Roxbury Pond will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15.
If it's a stormy day, it will be held on Sunday, Feb. 16.
The event is a fundraiser for the Mexico Lions Club. The entry fee is $10. The derby is traditionally held on one of Maine's free family fishing days in February.
According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheres and Wildlife, on these days, any person, except those who license has been suspended or revoked, may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.
There is a grand prize of $2,000 for catching a tagged fish during the derby, cash prizes of $200 each for the largest pickerel and bass, $150 each of the largest trout and second place bass, and $100 for largest perch.
Additional prizes include $100 each for third place for pickerel and bass.
During the derby, no one has ever caught the tagged fish worth $2,000. It is added to the pond a few days before the derby after being purchase at a state fish hatchery.
Dennis Daniel of Ellis Pond Variety said his store will be open at 5 a.m. the day of the derby.
People can preregister for the derby as well as preorder live bait by calling 545-2713.
Daniel said the pond froze the third week on November, which was earlier than normal, and has been frozen ever since.
"The ice is two feet thick; very good all over," he noted.
Last year's event reeled in more than 400 anglers on a sunny day in the mid 30s.
Lunch will be available from the Mexico Police Explorers operating the Lions Club lunch wagon. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, coffee and hot chocolate.
For more information, contact Roland Patneaude at 357-8175.