Residents and neighbours of St. Adolphe enjoyed a good old-fashioned treat on the Friendship Trail earlier this month. Here, families gathered for Louis Riel Day on February 16, to take part in traditional activities of the Manitoba Metis.

Around 225 people showed up in balmy above-zero temperatures to icefish on the Red River and roast bannock over an open fire.

“After receiving a grant from Healthy Living Now, the St. Adolphe Friendship Trail volunteer group decided it would be a great idea to put it towards a cause that would be very meaningful for kids to experience for their first time,” says Gerry Lagasse, trail volunteer.

After the idea was birthed, they partnered with the St. Adolphe Metis Local and Ritchot’s recreation department. They also collaborated with an ice fishing veteran who provided fishing rods and bait for a day out on the river.

Even Ritchot’s newest mascot, Ritchie the River Otter, showed up for the outdoor fun.

The event required some planning and a good handful of volunteers, but in the end, Lagasse says, it was all worth it.

“Snow had to be shovelled in order to be able to bring all the fishing equipment down,” Lagasse says. “We had to build stairs with snow to be able to access the river.”

As well, more than 25 holes were drilled through the ice to provide places for people to gather over a thermos of coffee and a fishing pole.

Thankfully, fishing was free in the province that weekend.

“Everything caught was catch-and-release,” Lagasse says. “A little five-year-old boy caught the last walleye. Everyone took pictures and then he released it.”

The event was so well received that Lagasse says they’ll be back with the same type of activities next year.