NEWPORT — As the Eli Goss Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament enters its ninth year, the tournament has seen a substantial increase in fisherman interest and a record number of area businesses stepping up as sponsors.
The 2019 tournament will be held February 15-17 on Seymour Lake, Echo Lake, and Lake Memphremagog.
Registration will be at the Public Fishing Access in Morgan.
Fishing begins at 7:33 a.m. Friday and ends at 1:33 p.m. Sunday.
The closing ceremony, tournament games, silent auction, and raffles will be at 2:33 p.m. on Sunday.
A $15 donation to the Eli Goss Memorial Scholarship Fund will get you into the competition with a chance to win a custom designed ice shack donated and built by Limlaw Family and Friends.
Additional tickets will be sold at the registration area.
Awards include a cash prize for first place along with Eli Trophy Bomber Hats and several prizes donated by local businesses for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place fish from each lake.
There will be separate categories and prizes for youth and pike.
A raffle and silent auction will again be held, with all proceeds going directly to student scholarships.
The Eli Scholarship Fund is also collecting bottles and cans for their annual bottle drive.
Complimentary hot food will be offered to participants each day at the registration area, compliments of the Eli Fund.
Community support has rallied behind this year’s tournament with 50 local sponsors backing the event.
Official tournament sweatshirts are on sale now and will contribute in large part to scholarship funds.
In 2018, The Eli Goss Memorial Fund decided to expand its tournament to include Lake Memphremagog in attempts to enhance the competition and increase attendance.
The result was an unprecedented turnout, allowing The Eli Fund to increase the amount of individual scholarship awarded to 10 Graduates of NCUHS and UCA in memory of Eli.
Since 2011, the Eli fund has awarded 48 Scholarships, totaling over $29,750.00 to graduates of UCA and NCUHS.
“I just love this event,” said Stephanie Goss, who helps the committee organize the event. “I am astounded by the generosity of local people and the spirit of reunion that has developed over the years. It allows us to remember Eli’s kind heart by supporting the dreams of students and helping them realize their dreams.”
The Eli Goss Memorial Scholarship Fund has a mission to expand scholarship opportunities to include students who did the work while balancing academics, sports, jobs, friends, and family.
They recognize students who are involved in life, courageous in their attempts and caring in their relationships.
With any donation of $40.00 or more, you can receive your own Eli Goss Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament Hoodie.
Visit www.EliGossMemorialFund.com and www.Facebook.com/EliGossIceFishing for more information.
