Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
ONTONAGON, Mich. — Forty-one teams threw in their fishing lines during the 14th annual Aspirus Ontonagon Lake Trout Classic May 18-20 in Ontonagon. Organized by Larry and Diane Greig, the Lake Trout Classic is one of the community’s largest fundraiser events with proceeds supporting the efforts of the Ontonagon County Cancer Association (OCCA).
“Having a fundraiser like this is important because cancer affects everyone in some way or another,” Larry Greig said. “Either you know someone who has cancer or you are dealing with it yourself. This is a great way to contribute and help those in need.”
This year, a total of $4,500 was donated to the OCCA, a nonprofit organization that reaches out in Ontonagon County to help residents fight their battle with cancer. The OCCA exists to educate, provide free PSA and Mammogram screenings, and maintain a loan closet to provide monetary assistance to cancer patients in Ontonagon County.
Kicking off the weekend was a Ladies Powder Puff Tourney sponsored by Moonshine Lures on Friday, followed by the Lake Trout Classic on Saturday and Sunday. The event concluded with an awards presentation Sunday. The first Lake Trout Classic was held in 2005 with 40 competing teams and it has continued to grow in popularity ever since. The event garners support from several businesses throughout the region. This year’s sponsors included: Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, Ontonagon County Telephone Company, Shamrock Bar, Hancock Coca-Cola Bottling Co., U.P. Sports Fisherman Association, Peterson’s Chalet Cottages, and Ontonagon Valley Sportsman’s Club.
