Oshkosh, Wis. – The Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo will be held December 13-15 at a novel location at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh.
The relocation of the exhibition, now in its second year, was necessary because in its first year the exhibition outgrew its previous facility and is now almost twice as huge, occupying over 65,000 square feet of indoor space, while also gaining more parking space and easier access.
This year’s show featured many novel vendors and free buses transporting guests from the parking lots.
“We expected about 5,000 visitors in the first year of the fair, and we were surprised that about 12,000 people came through our doors,” said Jeff Bast, one of the fair’s owners. “It’s been several years since Wisconsin has had its own dedicated ice fair, and it’s clear that having one in Oshkosh, right on Lake Winnebago, was the perfect place to host it. Many vendors told us they sold more products at our show than at any other ice cream show in the country.
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The program will feature experts such as Larry Smith, Tom Boley, Greg Karch, Eric Haatja, Cody Solberg and many others. There will also be a trout pond, an entire children’s area organized by Ice Junkie, and daily gifts from several vendors.
“We also have an amazing raffle from United of Wisconsin Wounded Warriors (WWUW), during which the drawing will include an Ice Castle Fish House for Girl Scouts and a prize package valued at over $14,000,” Bast said.
Otto Reetz, founder of the nonprofit group WWUW, is excited to host the drawing during the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo. Ticket sales will reinforce their mission to raise the number of veterans on the ice, in the woods and on the open water.
“Last year the turnout was phenomenal,” Reetz said. “Our group holds funds raised for veterinarians here in Wisconsin. We operate entirely on a volunteer basis and organize many events throughout the year to help our veterinarians. Nobody makes money here. For 10 years, we did everything we could to bring some joy to their lives.”
Tickets will be sold during the event and the winner will be selected on Sunday, December 15. Those interested in tickets may also call (920) 470-1845.
There will be four food trucks serving sandwiches, gyros, tacos, coffee and more to satisfy every appetite.
For more information and a complete list of suppliers, go to icefishexpo.com.
