Eelpout Festival 2012

And so continues the worlds most unproductive week! With Eelpout right around the corner, I am accomplishing next to nothing in anticipation of leaving Friday morning! Aside from the wandering around from encampment to encampment drinking, here is the itinerary for what all is happening this weekend.

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THURSDAY

- Opening Ceremonies - 5 - 10 PM - City Park
- Torch Lighting 7PM - City Park
- Coors Light Keg Castle - 5 - 10 PM - City Park
- Festival Goer's Appreciates - 6-7 PM - Coors Light Keg Castle
- LIVE BAND - Shirt N Skins - 8:30-12:30 AM - The 502 - Chase on the Lake

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Friday

- Official Scale Times - 9 - 5 PM - City Park
- Coors Light Keg Castle Open - 10AM - Midnight - City Park
- Miller Lite Ice Palace - 10AM - Midnight - Chase on the Lake
- Mechanical Bull Riding Competition - 3 PM -7 PM - Miller Lite Ice Palace
- LAPHROAIG Tasting with Master Ambassador Simon Brookings - 5:30 pm - LAPHROAIG Lounge - Miller Lite Ice Palace
- Live Band – Rock Bottom - 8-Midnight - Coors Light Keg Castle
- Live Band – Billy D and the Crystals - 8-Midnight - Miller Lite Ice Palace
- EAT ‘TILL 2 at the 502 - 11am-2am - Chase on the Lake

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Saturday

- Official Scale Times - 9 - 5 PM - City Park
- Coors Light Keg Castle Open - 10AM - Midnight - City Park
- Miller Lite Ice Palace - 10AM - Midnight - Chase on the Lake
- Eelpout Fishing Show - 10:30 AM - Coors Light Castle
- UV Party Parade - 11:30 AM - In front of Chase on the Lake
- Eel Pout 500 “on-ice” Auto Race - Noon - Garfield Lake, Laporte
- Ice Auger Races - Noon - City Park
- Eelpout Rugby - Noon - City Park
- Polar Pout Plunge - 1PM - In Front of Chase on the Lake
- Eel Pout Derby - 1PM - City Park
- Miller Lite Bar Stool Ski Races - 2:30pm - In Front of the Chase
- LAPHROAIG Peat Parade and Bonfire - 3PM - Starts out in Front of the Chase, Ends...."on the rocks"
- Mechanical Bull Riding Competition - 3PM-7PM - Miller Lite Ice Palace
- Bikini Ice Fishing Team Fashion show - 4PM - Coors Light Keg Castle
- Bikini Ice Fishing Teams Main Show - 6PM - Northern Lights Casino
- KISS THE POUT - 7-8pm - Miller Lite Ice Palace
- Live Band - 8-midnight - Coor Light Keg Castle
- Live Band – FUZE - 8-midnight - Miller Lite Ice Palace
- EAT ‘TILL 2 at the 502 - 11am-2am - Chase on the Lake

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Sunday

- Award's Ceremony - 10:30 - City Park

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This list doesn't include all of all the side parties going on, the different events all of the bars have and everything else going on. Until you go to Eelpout Festival, I can't really describe it. If you go, you'll get it! Hope to see you there!

A New Shot For Eelpout

Every year, we like to bring a shot specific for that year. Lately those shots have revolved around energy drinks and I am trying to get away from those. I feel like things such as Red Bull, while they have increased my drinkability by 40%, are stealing some of the fun drunk thunder. Its hard to explain. But, here are a couple of the shots I was thinking of making.

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BOTTLE CAP

· 1/2 oz. Raspberry Liqueur
· 1/2 oz. Root Beer Schnapps
· 11/2 oz. 7-UP®
· 1/2 oz. Margarita Mix

I use the double shot cup (see picture) and pour the booze into the center of the cup and the Margarita Mix and the 7 Up in the outer rim of the cup



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WASHINGTON APPLE

· 2 oz. Crown Royal
· 2 oz. Sour Apple Pucker
· 2 oz. Cranberry Juice

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And the one I am leaning towards (since we will be partying on top of a frozen lake)

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Aqua Man

Equal Parts
- Vodka
- Blue Curacao
- Hpnotiq
- Orange Juice

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2 weeks and counting! I can't wait!

Garage Sale Scavenger Hunt

I know that it is still january, and we are still a couple months away from the Garage Sale season kick off, but I am excited. I don't know what it is, but I love digging through other peoples crap. Wether its neatly arranged on a table, or on a blanket in the grass along the driveway, I love rummaging. I have a few things I collect, and I like to do some selling of things on Ebay, but mostly I just like meeting people and scavenging.

I think this year I am going to do a couple things. First I am going to try and start putting together a complete 1st edition of Stephen King hardcover books. The older ones will be harder to find, but that will make the search all that more fun. I have a couple other authors I would like to do this with as well. I will also continue to buy old video game stuff, MN sports memorabilia, other books, watches, music memorabilia, Nascar stuff, stuffed animals for the dog, and Sesame Street Characters to pack full of fireworks this 4th of July.

My second thing is that I would like to start a scavenger hunt among all of my friends who like to hit up garage sales as well. I am thinking people will put in a $10 entry fee and they will then be given a list of items they need to track down at Garage Sales. I will open it up so they can go wherever they want, as long as they finish the list. The list will be made of typical garage sale items. Here is what I am thinking of putting on the list so far

- A McDonalds Glass featuring some sort of cartoon character pre 2000 era (1999 and earlier)

- A Pair of Novelty Sunglasses in some sort of neon color

- A Angel or other Christmas tree topper

- A 35 MM Camera

- A T-shirt with a kitten or a fish on it

- Some type of homemade food item (Jam, jelly, rolls ect)

- A themed Beanie Baby (celebrity, Sports, ect)

- A Walking Cane

- A Framed Picture of the Old Man Praying

- A Christmas Record

- Any Madden video game (for any video game system)

Thats what I have so far, but I am not set in stone in any of the ideas. What are some other typical items that are weird that you see at garage sales that I could add to the list. I would like to keep the costs of all these items fairly low. At the end of the day, the first team to finish their list, or the team to get the farthest would be the winners. What do you think?

Eelpout Festival Facts

I am twitching I am so excited. I got my official Eelpout button yesterday. For $10, I got a chance at winning a Ice Castle custom fishhouse and other prizes, and I am helping to fund future Eelpout Festivals. So, since I can't get it out of my head, I thought I would throw some Eelpout facts out there for ya!

- Started in 1979 as the brainchild of Walker resident Ken Bresley, the Annual International Eelpout Festival began as a way to try and lure visitors up to Leech Lake during the winter months.

- There was 700 people at the first Eelpout Festival

- The original cost of a button was $3 (now $10)

- Unique Events that happen - Events such as Ice Drilling, Eelpout On-Ice Auto Race, Polar Plunge, Sled Dog Rides.

- The International Eelpout Festival brings more than 10,000 people to Walker every year

- Leech Lake is MN's 3rd Largest Lake

- It has gotten so big, it is now sponsored by brands like Coors Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Ice Castle Fish Houses, Red Bull, Northern Lights Casino, Aqua Vu and more

I will try and dig up some more facts the closer we get to the big day. Theres still time to book a flight or find a cabij in the area. You don't want to miss out!

Eelpout Festival! My Favorite Time Of Year!!

Well, its almost that time of year! The International Eelpout Festival is almost upon us. For those of you who don't know what A) a Eelpout is, or B) what Eelpout Festival is, let me fill you in. The eelpout is a fresh water fish that closely resembles a Eel. They are very slimy, and anyone who has caught a big one will tell you that they will wrap around your arm if you give them the chance. Super gross fish. Eelpout Festival is a magical celebration that celebrates this super gross fish. It is held in Walker MN on Leech Lake. Leech is one of MN biggest lakes. Eelpout Festival has grown in popularity so much that even Jay Leno did a segment from Eelpout Festival last year. You can find more info about Eelpout Festival here and they also have the Late show clips on the homepage

http://www.eelpoutfestival.com/


This will be my eighth year attending and I don't ever want to miss it. It started out on a whim. While we were at a friends cabin fishing only about a hour away, we decided to grab our gear and head over and try and catch us some Pout. Once we got there and saw what was happening, we quickly realized that our fishing gear would do us no good. One problem, my lonely case of beer was not going to be enough for the day.


The first thing we witnessed was the Polar Plunge. A giant hole cut into the lake, where people throw on some crazy outfits and jump in the freezing water for a chance to raise some cash for charity. There was also, helicopter rides, a rugby game happening on the lake, a ice fishing bikini show, lots of vendors selling Winter gear, and the official Eelpout weigh center. Once we saw the mild stuff, it was time to see where everyone else was going.


We headed onto the lake and around the point and the first thing we saw on the ice was a 30 foot tall inflatable Gorrilla. I knew it was going to be a good day. Everything is set up similar to Vegas is the best way to describe it. There is a giant road on the ice, and on each side are themed encampments. These encampments are usually around 30' x 30' big and inside they have dance floors, fully stocked bars, couches, beer pong tables, flip cup tables, hot tubs, you name. All you do is walk up and down the row and go encampment to encampment to party.



There really is no way to accurately describe Eelpout festival besides some of the most fun you could ever have on a frozen lake! Everyone we have ever brought has loved it and come back with us. I think our group was around 30 people last year! Maybe we will make our own encampment next year! Check It Out!!

Red Bull Crashed Ice in St Paul MN

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This past weekend in St Paul Minnesota, Red Bull decided to feature its new extreme sport they are trying make popular here in the states. Its called Crashed Ice. It's basically a steep luge track that instead of going down in a cart, competitors race down on ice skates and basic hockey pads. Down this nearly 5 story drop track, there is jumps, hair pin turns, moguls, and screaming fans. Speeds reached are near 40 mph.



I guess the origin of the sport goes back to Austria, when a local drunk snuck on to the local Luge track and skated down it. The rest is history. It is still trying to gain some popularity as there is only 3 more red Bull events for this around the world this year, and I believe there is only 2 permanent tracks in the World.



The event itself was cool. The track was sweet, and we got there super early, so we got a prime spot towards the finish line right on the wall. The down sides, no free red Bull. You would be sure that a event they were sponsoring, there would of been some free Red Bull. 93x had a "Crash Zone" set up that was no where near a good view (or any) of the track, and they wanted $15 to get in and have the privilege of buying a beer and watching the event on a big screen. Lame. Another down side was the lagging in action at times. When they only send down 4 people at a time, sometimes 2 people would finish, and then you are just waiting for the rest. They should send down at least 8 people pre heat.



Overall, I am very happy to say that I can check that event of my to do list. The Red Bull events all ways seem to be pretty awesome. If you want to look at more photos I shot that day, check out my photography blog Capturing Minnesota

http://capturingminnesota.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/the-red-bull-crashed-ice-event-in-st-paul-mn/

This Weird Winter

So, the temp today is 0, -8 with the windchill. Just 38 hours ago, it was 52 degrees. In a Minnesota Winter where anything can happen, a 60 degree turnaround in 2 days is just another one of those odd quirks we are finding this Winter. Along with the crazy temp, we are still snowless. At the almost middle of January, it makes me a little worried. A few years ago, our first snowfall was on my birthday (Jan 21st).

This bad Winter makes me worry for a bunch of things. Eelpout Festival which is only a month away. A giant party held on the ice. Last year no cars could drive on the lake because of ice conditions. This year may be no different. I am worried about all the fishing contests coming up. A lot of these non profit organizations really rely on these in order to support their causes. Further out, I am worried for the farmers. No snow could equal a severe drought this Spring. Lakes and Rivers will be down majorly, poor fishing, poor Summer recreation. Come on Winter, lets get going!

The Vikings Last Game Of The Year

I had no illusions of the season. I always stayed positive, but once we hit the half mark of the season, anyone could see that we had no chance. The only thing to look forward to was seeing Jared Allen lead the league in sacks, Christian Ponder learning his role as QB of the future on this team, Adrian peterson break tackles and Percy Harvin make some pretty sweet catches. This season should of been taken as a chance to see what kind of second and third string hidden talent we had on this team. By playing Adrian Peterson at not a 100% instead of checking our depth, I feel coaches should be fired.

This season was almost more of a coaching disappointment than Brad Childress's run here. From the poor choice to hope that McNabb would pan out. No one else thought he would, by why wouldn't he shine on the struggling offensive line of the Minnesota Vikings. As much as I would like to see some MN Vikings Post season play, I will accept the season for what it is and I will start getting excited for the draft.

There are a few highlights to watch for this weekend against the Bears. First, it is Jim Kleinsasser's last game in the NFL. He is retiring after the season. He has 6 career TD's. Leslie Fraizer has told him that if that ball gets to the 1 yard line, he will have his chance to get 1 more. I hope he does it. Second, we will get to see a little more from Toby Gerhart. he had a rough start, but he has been getting better. Third, with a struggling Bears Offense and a 3rd string QB, Jared Allen has a chance to have a spectacular afternoon.

Well, till next season. Skol Vikings

The Top 10 Things The Minnesota Vikings Should Put On Their Christmas List

With this dismal season almost over, everyone wants a change. In my opinion, here are the 10 things the Vikings should put on their Christmas list this year. In no particular order

1. A New Stadium - The Dome sucks. I don't know if that is made worse from the fact that we have a awesome new Hockey arena for the Wild or a new Ballpark for the Twins or not, but I do know that the Dome is terrible. Time for a upgrade.

2. A Pro Ball Type Wide Receiver. When Randy Moss was here, it was awesome. Sure he created some drama, but he scored touchdowns. Even recently we did pretty awesome with Sydney Rice, but this year with a big lack of a tall WR kind of hurt us.

3. A semi to take all of the Donovan McNabb Vikings jerseys down to some 3rd world country so we can forget that part of our season ever existed.

4. A stronger Offensive line. It happened with Favre, I hate to admit it, but it happened to McNabb, and you have seen it happen to Ponder. There is just no time for the Quarterback to find a receiver and make a play. You watch the Packers, and Rodgers can do his taxes, make a sandwich, clean up his DVR and then find a target down field before the Defense gets close to him. Ponder would be a lot better if we could give him some time to shine.

5. Getting a better (or any) Secondary. Bringing Benni Sapp in mid season in a pinch was a terrible idea. I realize option were limited, but come on. I don't realize why every team doesn't go deep on us for every play. Especially teams that are known to throw the ball a lot. If its past 10 yards, game over.

6. A new offensive coordinator. Musgrave needs to go. Some of the plays he has called this year seem very similar to the plays Henry Winkler was calling in the beginning of The Waterboy. I realize he may be calling bad plays now just so we loose games to get a better pick, but come on. We shouldn't be in this position to start with.

7. A new head coach. Fraizer may of been thrown into a bad situation, he may be over his head, he might be surround by idiots, but he needs to go. Everything from his dodging of questions about what went wrong, to his Childress like unemotional look he always has on the sidelines. Look like you care a little man. I am a firm believer that when Childress was fired, they should of fired everyone attached to him. A doctor isn't going to operate on a Cancer patient and only take out a small part of the Cancer and hope it just gets better

8. To stay in the top 3 picks of the draft. We aren't mathematically eliminated from #1. Do we get Andrew Luck? You always take the best player available.

9. A way to get all the players together on the same page and slow down our penalties. False Starts, Pass interference, off sides and others are stupid penalties we should not be getting.

10. A special incentive for the players on this team who haven't given up are still putting up big numbers and trying. Those are the players I feel bad for. Surrounded by a bunch of guys with no heart and all you want to do is play your best! Thats why I am proud to own their jerseys. Good job Peterson, Allen, Shancoe and Harvin!

You have to be a fan in the bad times if you want to be a fan in the good, it just seems like so many of them are bad. I am a Vikings fan through and through and will never give up on my club! Theres always next year!

A Brown Christmas

So aside from the fact that there is no snow this year to make the Christmas lights look a little more brilliant, there is also no snow for me to continue working on my sweet snow fort. Well, it wasn't sweet yet, but it was going to be. I bought a Toro Power Shovel from Target a few weeks ago with the plan of building a super awesome snow fort. I was also basing my hopes and dreams off of the snowfall we got last year! It was awesome. But, I should of guessed that since I spent some money on a cool Winter toy, that it wouldn't snow.

Secondly, my big plan was to make a snowman, and then pack its head with mortars left over from the 4th of July. We love packing fireworks in things, and snowman has been one of those things on my fireworks bucket list. I want to make some fake blood packs and stick them in the snowman with the fireworks. But, it is still early in the Winter season, so we should have plenty of snow. Hopefully! Maybe there will be a Christmas miracle and it will snow before the big day this weekend! '


Merry Christmas Everyone!!