01/30/2025
Integrity is at the heart of what we do, and we want to share two stories that explain how we strive to serve everyone fairly while staying true to our values:
Story #1: Supporting Local Businesses
One of our core goals is to create a positive local economic impact. That’s why we always encourage contestants to buy their bait, tackle, and tickets from local businesses. However, we understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned—bait might get forgotten, or someone may find themselves in a pinch.
This year, a long time supporter of the Extravaganza reached out to be a sponsor and offered to sell bait on the ice to help those last-minute arrivals or forgetful contestants. This isn’t about replacing local bait shops—far from it! We remain committed to supporting and uplifting our local businesses. Having this limited option available on the ice is simply about being prepared and accommodating everyone. So, while there will be bait available during the event, we strongly encourage you to visit and support our local bait shops whenever possible.
Story #2: Ensuring Drone Safety
Years ago, as drones and cameras became popular, we saw many unlicensed and uninsured drones flying over the contest site, operated by individuals unfamiliar with safe flying practices. One near-accident made it clear that changes were necessary to protect everyone involved. At the request of law enforcement, we now partner with BlazeAir, an internationally known, licensed, and insured drone company, to ensure that only safe, professional flights occur during the contest.
As a ticketed and permitted event, we ask that all drone flyers prioritize safety. We respectfully request that BlazeAir be the only drone operator during the busiest contest hours. That said, we always work with individuals who reach out in a courteous and professional manner to accommodate flying inside the contest perimeter or during prearranged time slots. We deeply value open communication and collaboration with our community members. This policy was always in place as a ticketed event we've never has to pull a temporary airspace license before, however next year we will be doing so to ensure this will be enforced.
Our Commitment to Excellence:
We are a volunteer-run organization focused on leadership development through civic engagement, and we strive for excellence every year. We work hard to create a positive, safe, and welcoming event for everyone.
We will not tolerate negativity, hate, or disrespect. Our mission is to serve our community with integrity, respect, and compassion because we believe, wholeheartedly, that “service to humanity is the best work of life.”
Thank you for your support and understanding as we continue to make this event the best it can be—for our participants, our community, and the causes we serve.
