In 2018, public television cooking show host Lidia Bastianich filmed a program segment at the festival, sharing the tip that eelpout, for all their ugliness, are tasty fish. The Official International Eelpout Festival Page And I almost forgot: If you attend the Festival, be prepared to kiss a pout! The tongue-in-cheek festival was started in 1979 as a way to boost tourism. Part of the allure of Pout Fest is walking the strip, visiting fish houses and villages, and talking with all walks of people from all over the world. EelPout Curling Kids Perch Jerk Ice Hockey Weigh-In Stage Polar Plunge Bathrooms Eelpout Nuggets Pig Roast Entrance E Ice Bar DOWNTOWN WALKER. Jared Olson, the majority owner of the festival, submitted an application recently to Beltrami County to hold the three-day event on Lake Bemidji as part of the community’s Winterfest celebration in February. Caught from a Sea-Doo! The Eelpout Festival was almost held in Bemidji in 2018, but Beltrami County officials were concerned about the impacts of the festival on Lake Bemidji. A festival … The Official International Eelpout Festival Page Registration at noon): Thanks to a chainsaw crew that cuts through 18” of ice to prepare a “soft landing," countless costumed revelers are cheered on by a massive crowd as they plunge into the frozen depths of Leech Lake. It’s incredible hearing from most of the riders that it’s the first time they’ve ever been in a helicopter. All of the 2018 International Eelpout Festival Tournament Results can also be found on the Eelpout Festival website. I hope to see you all there . Every type of fish house or shanty imaginable can be found at Eelpout Fest. While Lota lota is known locally as eelpout, eelpoutalso may refe… Without the proper waste management, porta-potties, etc., the ice will be as messy as before, and the city will lose some economic money. Eelpout Rugby (Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.): Bemidji State Rugby Teams will take to the ice to capture the 2017 Eelpout Rugby crown. That’s right, helicopter rides. 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Approximately 12,000 participants and visitors crowd into the small town of Walker for the fun every year. The Annual International Eelpout Festival officially begins at 5pm Thursday, February 21st and concludes at 10am on Sunday, February 24th, 2019. In a state where it is common to embrace the quirky and find great fun in the most unlikely circumstances and weather conditions, this festival is pure Minnesota fun. Top Ten Biggest Pout: 1. The last weekend in February was the annual Eelpout Festival. 2018 > 24ft Platinum Plus+ , 21ft Itasca XL, 20th Anniversary Edition! When the light is on, visitors are welcome. 25, on Leech Lake. The last weekend in February was the annual Eelpout Festival. That’s right, helicopter rides. If the collegiate games are more your style, sign up for the Beer Pong tourney and try to keep yourself upright. Never been to it, but what I foresee happening is a large group shows up and has an unofficial Eelpout Festival/party on the ice. That’s why Walker business owners, city leaders and community members need to work with Eelpout Festival organizers to make sure the event stays in Walker in 2018 and years to come. 1,069) gather on Minnesota’s third largest lake (112,000-acres), Leech Lake, for a festival named for one of the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout. February 15, 2018 at 8:59 am. The opening ceremony will commence on February 22 at 6:00pm, and the event will conclude on February 25. It may not be romantic, but it’s something special. If you’re into fishing and want a chance at some great prizes, sign up. No matter the location, the 2018 International Eelpout Festival will take place in February however the exact dates cannot be confirmed at this time. Out this article I wrote for OutdoorHub article I wrote for OutdoorHub present... Frozen Eelpout be it for the coming year try to keep yourself upright fish, the International Eelpout Festival Results... 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