2014 Ice Fishing Derby and Chili Cook-off

Ice Fishing Derby and Chili Cook-off at Heartland Acres Agribition Center in Independence, Iowa

Jill Bigler is pictured with the largemouth bass she caught at Swan Lake on the Heartland Acres campus during the Family Fishing Day on June 6, 2013.

Sunday, February 9, 2014 is the date for the Heartland Acres Ice Fishing Derby and Chili cook-off at Heartland Acres in Independence, IA.

This is the fourth consecutive year for the Ice Fishing Derby and Chili Cook-off events. “The events fit well together and allow for some mid-winter fun and good competition to shake the winter blues”, commented Brian Bell, Event Manager for the campus.

The events start with the Chili Cook off going from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. The Fishing derby begins at 1:00 pm and ends at 4:00 pm.

Chili cooks will be serving their favorite chili and the public will determine the winner by the number of votes (measured in tip dollars) the cooks receive. Chili cooks are encouraged to use this opportunity to raise money for their favorite charity.

The ice fishing event will include the harvest of several species including largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Last year there were over 150 – 6 pound largemouth bass stocked in Swan Lake and it is anticipated the numbers and sizes of the species will be up for this event.

The public is invited to come out and watch the ice fishing derby and stop in the Event Center for lunch at the Chili Cook-off.

Entries and rules can be found HERE for the Chili Cook-off and HERE for the Ice Fishing Derby, or stop out to Heartland Acres and pick up an entry form. Entries are due by January 31, 2014. See our website for event details or call us at 319.332.0123.

Heartland Acres preserves, protects, educates and entertains visitors with displays and activities which continue telling the story of our agricultural heritage. Check us out at www.heartlandacresusa.com, find Heartland Acres on Facebook, or call 319.332.0123.