Governor Tim Pawlenty displays the first northern pike he caught at the 2009 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener on White Bear Lake as First Lady Mary Pawlenty looks on. Click on the thumbnail photos to download high res versions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carol Altepeter, Event Coordinator

Explore Minnesota Tourism

218-828-2334

Carol.altepeter@state.mn.us

Kabetogama Lake Announced as Site of

62nd Annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener

ST. PAUL, MN (May 9, 2009) – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Kabetogama Lake will be the site of 2010 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. The 62nd annual kickoff of the fishing season will be held May 14 and15, 2010. Governor Pawlenty made the announcement at this year’s event at White Bear Lake.

Kabetogama Lake is located in Northeast Minnesota and is one of four lakes that make up Voyageurs National Park. Situated near the U.S.-Canadian border, Kabetogama Lake has miles of pristine undeveloped shoreline and 25,000 acres of water.

“Kabetogama Lake is a choice location for the Opener with its great fishing and rich history of voyageurs and fur traders”, said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state agency that coordinates the event. “The Lake Kabetogama and Ash River Trail area provides a traditional family-owned resort community experience and showcases one of the gems of Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park.”

The event was last held in this area in 1982 with Governor Al Quie.

The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry. It also provides the host community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities and attractions. .

More information can be found at: www.mngovernorsopener.com.

About Explore Minnesota Tourism

As the state’s tourism office, Explore Minnesota Tourism pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state’s tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state’s tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations.

 

Tourism is an $11 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state’s economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs more than 248,000Minnesotans. More information can be found at www.exploreminnesota.com.

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Press Releases

Dennis Merry Named as Fishing Host for Governor Tim Pawlenty for the 2009 Governor’s Fishing Opener on White Bear Lake - ST.PAUL (April 24, 2009) -- Dennis Merry, local avid White Bear Lake angler, has been selected to host Governor Tim Pawlenty and First Lady Mary Pawlenty for the 2009 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener to be held on White Bear Lake on May 9.

Well Known White Bear Lake Resident, Brad Stanius, Tapped as Minnesota Lieutenant Governor’s Fishing Host - ST. PAUL (April 24, 2009) - Well known White Bear Lake resident Brad Stanius has been named the fishing host for Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau at this year's Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener on White Bear Lake on May 9.

White Bear Lake Announced as Site of 61st Annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener - ST. PAUL, MN, May 11, 2008 - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that White Bear Lake will be the site of 2009 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. The sixty-first annual kickoff of the fishing season will be held May 8 & 9.