Fresno Walleyes annual banquet set for Saturday

Press release

The Annual Fresno Chapter Walleye’s Unlimited Banquet is returning to Havre Saturday at the Ice Dome.

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with early bird drawings beginning at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The banquet features the Fresno Chapter’s renowned all-you-can-eat walleye, beef and other side dishes to prepare people for an evening of entertainment as guests play games for guns, iPad, big screen TVs, barbecue grills, outdoor furniture, freezers, jewelry, artwork, woodwork and many other items. This year also features a $1,500 shopping spree to a local business that folks won’t want to miss the opportunity to win.

“The support that the chapter receives from the local communities and businesses is incredible,” Fresno Walleyes Chapter President Mike Barthel said. “We can’t thank them enough. It’s what makes this banquet possible. People are going to walk away with some great prizes.”

In addition to all the banquet prizes, Saturday, will start the drawing for the Fresno Chapter’s Annual Gun Raffle. The first drawing will be the night of the banquet and then one per day for the next 29 days. The event saw 500 raffle tickets sold, and sold-out early.

“Thanks to all those that bought the gun raffle tickets,” the chapter said in a relrease.

Banquet tickets went on sale in February and are available through Bing ’N’ Bob’s, Stromberg’s Sinclair, Fresno Tavern, Ezzies in Big Sandy or by calling Mike Barthel at 406-390-2449. Tickets are also available at the door the night of the banquet until sold out.

Funds raised from the annual banquet support the chapter’s events and projects throughout the year. One of the primary goals of the chapter is to introduce the younger generation to fishing and the outdoors. At the banquet, every child 15 and under will receive a rod and reel.

The chapter’s annual kid’s education day is scheduled for May 12 this year and has 280 fifth and sixth graders who have committed to attending this event at Fresno Reservoir. The day is complete with boat rides, educational seminars, lunch and free fishing poles for all kids in attendance.

The chapter also hosts the annual kid’s fishing tournament and the Fresno Walleye Challenge, which are both scheduled for June 9, 10 and 11.

The chapter is always working on additional events that introduce kids to the outdoors. Previously, the chapter has hosted the Havre High School seniors at the Fresno Pavilion during Senior Week, along with taking local and out-of-state 4-H kids fishing on Fresno.

Barthel estimated that the Chapter gives out more than 500 fishing poles to kids annually.

The proceeds from the banquet also go toward projects to enhance recreation at Fresno Reservoir, including building and maintaining a number of amenities like the campground and pavilion, boat ramps, boat docks and roads.

“We take a lot of pride in keeping the money local and giving back to the community that is supporting our cause,” Barthel said.

The Chapter has assisted in local projects other than Fresno, such as at Beaver Creek Park, Bailey’s Reservoir and Dry Fork Reservoir, to name a few. The chapter also helps fund three scholarships to students at Montana State University-Northern.

People can follow the chapter’s events and projects on its Facebook page and website at https://www.fresnowalleyes.com . The website is host to a web cam and weather station of Fresno Reservoir.

The banquet comes as the chapter continues to work on an issue at Fresno.

Recent flooding at Fresno Reservoir has caused major damage to the roads and campground at or near the Fresno Chapter Walleye Pavilion. Tom Patrick Construction has hauled 75 yards of crushed gravel so far and more than 100 yards is still needed.

“A big thank-you to Mr. Patrick for donating part of the gravel,” the release said. “Also, a big thank-you to Steve Chvilicek LLC for their work cleaning up the rock, mud that spilled onto the grass and inside the pavilion. And, for fixing up the roads.”

Barthel added that Steve Chvilicek is the State Walleyes president-elect.

The Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited is a 501C3 nonprofit organization, making all donations tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to Fresno Walleyes at P.O. Box 1501, Havre, MT 59501.

The Havre Ice Dome is located at 2585 Fifth Ave. SE.

For more information on the banquet, people can call Barthel at 406-390-2449.