8/12/2006 10:53:00 AM Arena fundraiser is Saturday
THE BECKER BIG LAKE ICE ASSOCIATION is trying to raise $3.5 million to build an arena in the big Lake Marketplace. Pictured are association Treasurer Brad Butalla, executive Officers Dave Kuenstler, President Chris Stalpes and Executive Officer Kent Vickerman, Not pictured is Vice President Brice Green. (Photo by Jennifer Edwards).
By Jennifer Edwards Staff Writer
The Becker-Big Lake Ice Association, which is raising funds to build an arena in the Big Lake Marketplace Development, is hosting Rink Fest, sponsored by Salida Depot, Saturday, (Aug. 19) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Games, including Texas Hold'em, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, begin with registration at 10 a.m.
Family fun, including a polish golf tournament, chuck a puck, a dunk tank and face painting will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Dean-O-Mite Entertainment will emcee the event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m. there will be a puck shooting contest for bantams, peewees, squirts and mites.
Live bands will play from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Chace Roberts, the Kurt Jorgensen Band and Brat Pack Radio are all on the program. There is a $10 cover charge payable at the gate.
Hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, chips and corn on the cob are on the menu.
A small registration fee is required to enter each tournament, with prizes provided by Salida Depot and other area businesses.
The mission of the Big Lake Ice Association is to build, maintain and manage a local, indoor ice arena to promote the development of youth hockey and support other youth organizations as well as promoting economic development in the area.
"We want to provide something that is not just for the kids," said Ice Association Executive Officer Kent Vickerman. "We also want to provide something for the adults in the community. An arena has many uses. It can be used for arts and craft shows, car shows and all kinds of other activities in the summer time."
The Becker-Big Lake Ice Association is trying to raise $3.5 million to build the new arena.
"We do own the land," said Association President Chris Stalpes. "This arena would be a good cornerstone for a pretty big economic development project, bringing people to town. It's not just a building for kids to play hockey in. There is a lot more to it than that."
The Becker-Big Lake Ice Association represents 100 families and about 250 kids who are interested in playing hockey, Stalpes said.
"Every single person in this room has one or two kids in hockey, but we are not seeing the growth in interest in Big Lake there is in other communities because we don't get good ice-time. Parents see that and it is discouraging," said Stalpes. "Ice time is expensive and it is hard to come by. It is getting tougher and tougher as more people in other communities are getting interested."
Last year, the Becker-Big Lake Eagles Varsity Hockey Team, which finished last in the Mississippi 8 Conference, often had to practice very early in the morning (5:30 a.m.) or after 10 p.m.
The ice association has been forming small committees to deal with fund raising, construction, finances, community relations and charitable gambling.
"We have filed our application with the state so we can sell pull-tabs at Victory Sports Grill and Bar," Stalpes said. "We are about three years out from being able to break ground. It's tough rowing but everybody puts a good effort in and we are getting results."
Volunteers helping with Rink Fest will meet with the Becker-Big Lake Ice Association committee Monday at the Big Lake American Legion at 7 p.m to finalize details for Saturday's big event.
"We could use 10 more volunteers for Rink Fest," Stalpes said. "And if anyone wants to volunteer to help on a committee, they would be most welcome. We are especially hoping local business owners and community leaders will come to the meetings and help us out."
For more information on Rink Fest, or meeting information, look on the internet at www.beckerbiglakehockey.com.
"We want this to be a community project," Stalpes said. "We really want everyone to be involved."
