The 2025 Elliot Lake Fishing Derby is planned for March, after the school March Break. And this year, the event location will be on Elliot Lake at Spine Beach, offering safer parking by avoiding parking along busy Highway 108.
That information, shared at last night’s council meeting by the prospective event organizer, Blaise Kurucz of Right Track Racing, who attended the council meeting to make the presentation in person.
Not-for profit organizer describes a family / youth focus
Kurucz is a Toronto police constable. He founded the not-for-profit Right Track Racing, along with another constable, “to combat aggressive driving, street racing, and stunt driving.”
“Our community impact goes beyond road safety though. We do many things with you,” he explained noting their “family oriented and youth program” approach. “So, I’m proposing the same thing here with the ice fishing derby,” he said.
Manager of Economic Development, Steve Antunes, commented, “one of the things that gave us a lot of comfort was Mr. Kurucz and his team and the scale of the events that they’ve put on. … it kind of led us down the path of knowing there was a comfort that they’d be able to put on this event as well.”
Responding to Antunes, Kurucz explained, “the event I organized with the police - we usually have anywhere between 4,000 and 5,000 people that show up.”
Supporting local business and growing the event
Describing the presentation as “very interesting,” Mayor Andrew Wannan said, “I really appreciate your efforts for community service, especially towards the youth.” Wannan also noted Right Track's consideration of local business.
Couns. Charles Flintoff also spoke in favour. “I think it’s a great idea. This is sort of the way that a lot of cities are starting to do this. As we find different organizations, we give them our support and you – your company, take it over and it’s for a good cause.”
While in town, Kurucz visited local businesses. “I reassured them, I want them to be involved if it benefits their business.”
“I will not take their money or their donations unless it does something for them,” he said.
Kurucz wants to see the event grow in future years. He sees a potential for more than one derby each year.
'We welcome all local volunteers'
The Right Track Racing team plans to bring a team of ten people to staff registration and support. They're “coming up with me to volunteer for the weekend because they’re avid ice-fishing people as well.”
With the short timeline for this year's event, Kurucz welcomes Elliot Lakers to familiarize themselves with his organization by visiting their website here.
“That’ll put you in contact with all our social media, phone numbers, emails, anything that you need.”
“We welcome all local volunteers,” Kurucz said to the assembled council, staff, and members of the public.
Those interested in volunteering to help out with the event, can also reach out locally to Steve Antunes at [email protected]