Cold Lake doesn’t do things halfway.

Four and a half hours. That’s how long it took for the sixth annual Age-Friendly Ice Fishing Tournament to sell out this year. Blink and you missed it.

And honestly? That tracks.

Out on the ice, bundled against the cold and buzzing with that tournament-day energy, it was clear this event is more than fishing. It’s community. It’s purpose. It’s people showing up for seniors in a big way.

Mayor Bob Mattie put it simply, “For us, it’s really important. It does a number of things. It shows the support for Age-Friendly in Cold Lake, which is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.”

This tournament isn’t just a winter tradition. It’s one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers — and the impact stays local.

Mayor Mattie continued, “Age-Friendly provides such a great service to people in the community, allowing them to live in their homes, to thrive, to get out to medical appointments, helping with their basic needs. They fill in the gaps where the healthcare system isn’t quite capable of doing. They’re nimble.”

That word stuck with me. Nimble. That’s what real community work looks like. Filling gaps. Moving quickly. Being adaptable. Meeting people where they are. The City of Cold lake embodies these traits through and through.

Beyond the fundraising, the tournament brings visitors in from all over — even as far as Kamloops, BC. Hotels fill, restaurants buzz, and the lake becomes a hub of activity! Mayor Mattie summed it up like this, “I think it shows the diversity of our community… We are a cool city that gets stuff done.”

And he’s not wrong. Behind the scenes, there are countless volunteers, sponsors, and organizers making it happen. Canadian Tire Cold Lake, Boardwalk Bait & Tackle, Edcon Power Tongs, the MD of Bonnyville, and the City of Cold Lake all stepped up in a big way.

Yet, if you really want to understand the heart of this event, listen to Bonnie Fulkrd, Board Chair of Age-Friendly Cold Lake. She’s been watching the growth year after year sharing, “Every year it gets faster and faster. Last year was seven hours, the year before that was 12. Now we’re down to four and a half.”

They even run a countdown online now — like it’s a concert drop. Firshermen refresh their phones, waiting for registration to open.

As Bonnie explained, “They know they’re supporting a good cause… It makes them feel like, ‘Hey, our money is going towards helping others.’” Specifically, it’s helping underserved seniors in our community — people who may need transportation, connection, or support to continue living independently.

Then, there was the 50/50 draw!

The jackpot hit $8,405, sending $4,202.50 home with the winner, Eugene Badger. Not a bad way to wrap up a day on the ice. However, most powerful moment wasn’t about the prize money. It was when Bonnie paused, emotion rising, talking about the team behind Age-Friendly, “Helping out underserved seniors in our communities as we continue to grow feels good. It’s a good feeling.”

That’s it right there. This tournament isn’t just about the biggest fish or the fastest sellout. It’s about momentum. About growth. About seniors being supported with dignity.

Cold Lake doesn’t just host events. It builds community around them: Good energy. Good people. A frozen lake full of purpose.

We’ll see you next year — but based on that sellout speed, you might want to set an alarm!