PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/05/13 -- On Saturday, February 16, staff and volunteers of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) will be drilling holes, pouring hot chocolate, baiting hooks, and sharing ice fishing gear, all free of charge, to help introduce local families to our community's 'hottest' cold-weather tradition at the OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day. Formerly known as the Bridgenorth Panfish Festival, the OFAH is now leading this unique community event that celebrates our new local winter fishery and the province-wide MNR and Federation "licence-free" Ontario Family Fishing Events initiative.

The OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day is sure to entice families to Bell Rotary Park in Ennismore on February 16 from 10 am to 2 pm for some free family fun. OFAH TackleShare will be onsite to loan fishing equipment, all holes are predrilled, there will be prizes for youth participants, and a free shuttle service between the event site and designated parking areas.

"The OFAH is proud to lead events that offer wholesome outdoor family experiences," said Angelo Lombardo, Executive Director of the OFAH. "It's a chance for the OFAH to offer one-on-one instruction with members of our community, on this proud Canadian tradition that we have worked so hard to introduce to our local lakes."

The OFAH - Mario Cortellucci Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre will also be open on February 16 from 11 am - 3 pm, where the OFAH will host a multitude of free family-friendly activities. Try out the Excalibur archery range, the Stoeger air rifle range, lure making, and the laser shot hunting simulator. There will be fish feeding in the aquarium, a special feature movie in the amphitheatre, as well as free hot chocolate and popcorn.

Fast Facts:

--  Ontario Family Fishing Events (OFFE) is an OFAH and Ministry of Natural
    Resources partnership supported by the Canadian Sportfishing Industry
    Association. The program includes a winter weekend and a summer event,
    which runs concurrent with National Fishing Week.  
--  OFAH TackleShare, sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, is a program
    that loans rods and reels to first time anglers the same way as library
    materials are borrowed. All participants can borrow equipment from the
    onsite OFAH TackleShare. Visit www.tackleshare.com for a complete list
    of loaner sites across the province.  
--  The Bridgenorth Panfish Festival was initiated by Clear View Organizing
    in 2009, in recognition for the first winter season for panfish. 
--  Safety first. Check conditions before you head out on the ice and
    frequently while out. Clear ice should be at least 6 inches for walking.
--  With 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 675 member clubs,
    the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the leading nonprofit
    fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario. To
    learn more, visit www.ofah.org.