Although Mother Nature has thrown a wrench into the works, the 2008 Orillia Perch Festival will get underway without delay this weekend on Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe.

“We’re OK except for the ice,” festival spokesperson Doug Bunker told Orillia Today on Thursday.

Following the Orillia Perch Festival grand opening ceremonies, scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. at the ODAS Park Fairgrounds, anglers will begin hitting the water on Saturday morning.

A total of 75 specially tagged perch, worth thousands of dollars were released in undisclosed locations on the two lakes this week, each one worth significant dollars to children or adults who are lucky enough to catch one.

One tagged perch will be worth $5,000 to the lucky angler who reels it in.

A Lund-Mercury boat, motor and trailer package is being awarded as the adult grand prize.
In keeping with the live-release program operated in conjunction with the festival, a $1,000 grand prize package and secondary $300 and $200 packages will be awarded to anglers who participate in the “I Brought It Back Alive” contest.

Last year, during the festival, 16,000 perch were returned to the two lakes as part of the live release program.

Bunker indicated that there is open water at the Atherley Narrows and boaters who wish to launch their crafts on the weekend will be able to access Lake Simcoe from both the Blue Beacon Marina and Mariners Pier.

He indicated Mariners Pier will be charging a small fee to those wishing to fish off the pier and there will be a fee for using the boat ramp.

In addition, any children 16 years of age and under will not be permitted on the pier unless they are wearing a personal floatation device (PFD).

Organizers estimate 5,000-6,000 anglers will participate in this year’s festival.

The 2008 Orillia Perch Festival continues until May 10.