Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Annual International Eelpout Festival all about?
A: The Annual International Eelpout Festival is one of Minnesota’s premier winter festivals and attracts more than 10,000 visitors and participants for a three-day period every February. Now in its 31st year, the festival centers on a not-so-attractive fish called the eelpout, which can be found in abundance in Leech Lake. Activities and events include, but are not limited to: trying to catch the largest eelpout, Chase the Pout Games and Swimsuit fashion show, the Polar Pout Plunge, most represented ice-house, top musical entertainment and more.
Q: What are the Chase the Pout Games?
A: The Chase the Pout Games are sponsored by one of Minnesota’s premier resorts, Chase on the Lake, and are making their inaugural debut this year. The events blend a bit of pout with a bit of Olympic fever in honor of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, which occur at the same time as the Eelpout Festival. Events include:
- Pout Curling: Teams will throw special stones and try sweeping them to victory. Walker’s local curling club will facilitate the “stone-pout” throws and button landings
- Pout Relay: This relay race will test participants’ agility, speed and proper “pout-baton” handling
- Pout Luge: Teams will pedal their “sleds” down a “pout track” vying for the quickest time
Q: Who started the festival?
A: The festival was started in 1979 by Walker, Minn. resident Ken Bresley and is now run by Jim Gertchy.
Q: When is the festival?
A: The Annual International Eelpout Festival runs every February for three days. In 2010 the festival will celebrate its 31st year and will run from Friday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 21.
Q: Where does the festival take place?
A: The Annual International Eelpout Festival takes place each year in Walker, Minnesota on Leech Lake. Many events including the “Chase the pout Games” take place at the premier resort, Chase on the Lake.
