Tournament a testament to the Spirit of Emo's citizens

This weekend, will mark another mile stone for the Emo Walleye Tournament. It has become another annual festival for the community in which everyone participates.
Where once, because of pollution, people hesitated to fish in the river, today, anglers have rediscovered the bounty of the Rainy River. Each year the river provides a different face for anglers and this year is no different.
The run-off continues unabated, and the river is as high as it will go, making for strong currents and easier navigation. These changes will make it more challenging for the 60 plus teams who will compete for the coveted trophy and cash prizes.
My hat goes off to the volunteers who organize and coordinate all the activities.
I especially would like to give recognition to those persons who stand in the cold water first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon to both launch and retrieve boats. In this high water their job is made much more difficult because the traditional launch ramp is now under water and the current is stronger. This team of volunteers has developed a good system to coordinate and launch the boats.
This walleye tournament and that of Rainy River show cases the recovery of the fishery on the river. It is not uncommon at the launch at Emo to see sturgeon rolling on the surface in the early morning hours prior to the start. The eagles have returned along the length of the river, and it has been suggested that the river could be renamed “Eagle River” since so many nesting pairs ca be seen.
And the catches that are showcased on Friday and Saturday demonstrate the quality of the Walleye in the river.
A parade, a talent contest, activities for youth and adults will mark the three days of activities beginning Thursday evening.
The tournament isn’t just walleye fishing. The Muskie Girl’s Hockey team will host their traditional walleye fish fry Thursday evening. Friday night the Emo Figure Skating Club will host their Spaghetti Dinner prior to the “Walleyedol” talent contest.
Saturday as the excitement builds for the crowning of the Emo Walleye Champions, the 4-H Clubs will be serving up a Prime Rib Dinner.
Following the awarding of the prizes, Saturday night, you can be entertained late into the small hours of the morning.
The three days of activities are created through the work of a dedicated group of volunteers. The committee, which oversees the tournament, has been working behind the scenes since the first week of June following the 2008 tournament.
This tournament is a testament to the Spirit of the Citizens of Emo, who can come together and create a great district event for everyone to participate in. The Fort Frances Times and Rainy River Record are pleased to be a sponsor. We encourage you to begin participating in the activities Thursday evening and continue to take in the events through Saturday night.
-Jim Cumming,
Publisher