published Saturday, June 30, 2007

1:00 p.m. CDT, updated with photos 2:30 p.m. CDT

Anglers of all ages and sizes lined the south shore of Lake Francis Saturday morning for the annual 4th of July fishing contest. The popular family event, sponsored by Lake Area Women, had 100 entrants this year. Kids ages 2-12 brought in 154 fish during the hour-long contest.

The event is always a big draw. Local families stood side by side with visitors from area towns and tourists from across the country.

Sierra Skaggs, 10, was one of them. She was up with family from Springfield, Mo. to visit their relative, Helen Wanous. Coming to Elysian for the 4th is an annual trip for the Skaggs who say they really appreciate "Elysian's style of hospitality."

A few poles away, the Bendix family fished. John and Brenda Bendix and sons, Anthony, 6, and Isaac, 3, hail from Byron, Minn. now, but Brenda is an Elysian native, the daughter of John and Carol Roessler.

After fishing, families enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park pavillion while they watched the trophy winners step up to claim their prizes for biggest fish and most fish caught.

Here's the complete list of winners:

Biggest Fish

Boys

Ages 2-5:  John Schema, 7 inches

Ages  6-9:  Daniel Guild, 7.5 inches

Ages 10-12:  Skylar Petry, 6 inches

Girls

Ages 2-5: Samantha Ims, 12.75 inches

Ages 6-9:  Justine Roemhildt, 8 inches

Ages 10-12:  Andrea Appel, 7 inches

Most Fish

Boys

Ages 2-5:  Cameron Bakke, 4

Ages 6-9:  Nick Fisher, 13

Ages 10-12:  Max Windsperger, 4

Girls

Ages 2-5:  Eva Weber, 5

Ages 6-9:  Lacey Roemhildt, 9

Ages 10-12:  Sierra Skaggs, 4

100 anglers and their assistants line the south shore of Lake Francis for the fishing contest.

Sierra Skaggs (left) the Bendix boys (center), and a young lady angler with her able assistant.

      A good catch.         There were many spectators on hand for the contest.      Measuring a winner.

Two of the twelve trophies went home with these happy youngsters.

Elysian's new royalty hosted the lake side picnic sponsored by Lake Area Women.

Photos by K. Burns for Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce