2018 MINNESOTA GOVERNOR’S FISHING OPENER
Did you hear the exciting news? The Willmar Lakes Area was chosen to host the 2018 MN Governor’s Fishing Opener! The 71st annual event will take place on Green Lake in Spicer with events taking place in Willmar, Spicer and New London. We can’t wait to show off our great communities and what they have to offer!
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. It was designed to improve Minnesota’s economy through the development and promotion of the state’s recreational opportunities, especially fishing. The first opener was a cooperative promotion between the state’s resort industry, media, and public officials. Today, the emphasis is even broader. It celebrates the kickoff of the summer tourism season. The special partnership continues today with a promotional focus on a host community as well as recreational opportunities statewide.
Community Involvement
Would you like to help? An event of this size needs a lot of volunteers. We’ll need volunteers to help plan, to be fishing hosts and to help at each of the different activities. Events take place starting Thursday, May 10th and run through Sunday, May 13th.
For a list of committees and descriptions Click Here.
If you are interested in being part of a planning committee or a volunteer during the event, please email us at info@willmarlakesarea.com. Please give us your name, contact information and what you’d be interested in helping with.
Raffle Tickets
We have raffles tickets for sale! Purchase a raffle ticket for only $10 for your chance to win a 2018 Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo with Mercury 150 FourStroke and Trailer, a Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Smoker or a Yeti Prize Package! Stop by the CVB office and purchase your $10 raffle ticket today!
#WillmarLakesArea #OnlyinMN #MNGFO2018
Want to be a Fishing Host?
We’re looking for outdoor and fishing enthusiasts to host registered guests for the fishing challenge during the 2018 Governor’s Fishing Opener (GFO). You do not need to be a fishing “expert,” you just need to have a properly functioning & licensed boat and a willingness to spend some time talking about our great area.
You’ll want to be available in the evenings leading up to the GFO, specifically Thursday evening for the Fishing Host Appreciation Dinner & Rules Meeting and Friday evening for the Fishing Host & Guest Pairing event. Further, you’ll be required to be available on Saturday until approximately 4 p.m.
Before applying, if you have any questions, please email the Fishing Host Co-Chairs – Laura and Dean Anfinson . If you are interested in being a fishing host, please fill out the online application form here.
For more information for those who have been approved as a fishing host, please click here.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Please consider becoming a sponsor of the 2018 MN Governor’s Fishing Opener! It takes a lot of gracious sponsors to make an event of this size successful. There’s an opportunity for every size of business and/or donation so just ask. For more information on the different sponsorship levels, contact the Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-845-8747 or Click Here for the Sponsorship Levels Form.
