Southwest Anglers Association celebrates fourth annual fish fry and fun night

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In the last 10 plus years, the Southwest Angler Association has been committed to enhancing the experience of fishing and outdoor activities.

The non-profit organization is back on the trail hosting their fourth annual fish fry and fun night fundraiser taking place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 15 at Dickinson’s Elks Lodge.

“This is our main fundraiser for the year,” said LeRoy Schmitt, the SWAA club president. “We promote the sport of fishing in southwest North Dakota for all ages.”

The fundraiser is used to defray costs for educational programs for local youth and lake enhancement projects.

Curt Decker, the SWAA club secretary, said the organization wouldn’t be anywhere without the assistance of local businesses and residents. During the process of building the Dickinson Dike, Decker said companies helped donate materials and equipment.

“The Dickinson merchants and individuals have been wonderful,” Decker said. “As far as donating merchandise for the fun night raffle or cash to underwrite the prizes we give away, they’ve been just wonderful for that.”

“Without the success of them, we wouldn’t be able to put on the event we’ve been able to do the past several years,” Schmitt added.

SWAA has helped co-sponsor the 18th annual “Kids Fishing Derby” on June 1 which 300 plus children are given an assortment of fishing and/or camping gear to enjoy a of outdoors activities. The organization also helped send eight children to summer camps on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea. However, SWAA also sponsors three of four local one- or two-week-long summer camps.

Not only does SWAA assist in enticing children to enjoy the outdoors, but also helps

with the funds for Sportsmen Against Hunger. Though the organization doesn’t donate funds every year, SWAA calls each season to ensure the funds for the program in the area are met.

“We’ll have kicked back some money to help process to those people who need it at the food pantry,” Decker said.

The cost of the fish fry and fun night fundraiser is $10 in advance and $11 at the door. Children 12 and under cost is $5 at the door. The meal will consist of deep fried cod and meatballs. Advance tickets can be purchased by contacting Decker at 701-227-7822 or Schmitt at 701-227-7817.

“If there are any lake projects we can help with in southwest North Dakota, we’ll see what we can do to donate some money toward those,” Decker said. “Fishing docks, fishing piers, boats docks or other improvements that can enhance the camping experience.”

Tags: southwest anglers association, outdoors, fishing