Members of Wiarton’s Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association lent helping hands Wednesday at the headquarters for the 24^th annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. The Volunteer BPSA team led by John McGill, helped raise the huge derby tent.

The effort took longer then the usual five hours. A tornado watch and hefty winds put the work on hold in the afternoon. The effort was completed after 9pm Wednesday night.

The 10-day derby is mounted annually by the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association. The big “fishing festival” usually attracts four thousand anglers to Owen Sound and Colpoy’s Bay near Wiarton. As many as 40,000 people take part in festivities associated with the derby, which pumps millions of dollars into the Grey-Bruce economy.

The Bruce Peninsula club members say they are thrilled to help their neighbouring conservation club. Every year the two organizations work together on projects such as the big derby and on efforts to keep our rivers and lakes well stocked with sports fish. Proceeds from the derby support conservation efforts across Grey-Bruce.