OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – A tradition as old as time kicked off Friday night, with the 19th edition of the Battle on Bago.
Ice rescue business thrives as vehicles plunge into Lake Winnebago
However, this year’s edition of the event looked a little different. Officials canceled the ice fishing contest due to warming temperatures and concerns over the ice conditions.
Battle on Bago Board Member Todd Ruess said that they had to put the safety of the anglers first.
“We have people coming from all over the US,” Ruess said. “So when you’re coming to a lake you’re not familiar with, and you’re fishing clubs and food vendors, we didn’t want to put somebody in a dangerous situation.”
That change led to people being able to purchase a fish raffle ticket, which normally meant buying a ticket and going to catch a fish.
Sponsor booths, drinks and the Bago’s famous Friday Fish Fry became the center of attention for many attending this year’s event.
The Glam Bland headlining the stage at 7:30 gave everyone a chance to start night one with a bang. For many who come from far and wide to Battle on Bago, it’s the people in the community who make an event like this special, regardless of the conditions.
Houston-based real estate developer responds to data center proposal concerns in northeast Wisconsin
“All the people who come out. I mean it’s a great, great opportunity for people to come and get together in the wintertime,” Mark Braaten of South Dakota said.
Battle on Bago continues on Saturday with even more in store, including the drawing for those raffles.
