The Oroville Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Northwest Ice Fishing Festival on Sidley Lake near Molson on Saturday, Feb. 13 this year.

“One of our goals at Eden Valley Guest Ranch is preserving our history by living it…one event at a time. This statement fits perfectly for this event and is one reason I donate so much time to it,” said Robin Stice, who organizes the festival.

She and her husband Pat own and operate the Eden Valley Guest Ranch and are members of the Oroville Chamber of Commerce.

The NW Ice Fishing Festival features prizes for the biggest fish, heaviest two fish and the smallest fish, as well as several prizes in the youth division. Other activities include arts and crafts, dog sledding demonstrations, breakfast provided by the Molson Grange and a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Sitzmark Ski Area. Registration is 7 a.m. at the Molson Grange Hall and the derby is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This event is reminiscent of old-fashioned family fun with a variety of activities during the one-day festival. It provides many organizations an opportunity to have a fund raiser and a venue for all ages and abilities to participate in something social in the middle of winter,” Stice said.

In addition to the areas history and culture, the Highlands are scenic and the trip to Sidley Lake is beautiful as a drive. The historic Molson Grange Hall and its artwork lend an atmosphere that make the event even more memorable, according to Stice.

“The friendly relaxing festival is also a success because of our many volunteers and the businesses that donate for our prizes and raffle. This year we have a boat valued at nearly $1500 with the help of Elephant Boys of Spokane. Prince’s Department Store has donated an ice auger as a main prize. There are many more coming in which will be reported to me in the next few days. A new malady in the USA has been coined NDD (nature deficit disorder) and this is a perfect step to a healthy new year,” she said.

For more information call (509) 485-4002 or (509) 476-2739 or visit www.edenvalleyranch.net.