2004 Peter Mitchell Days starts with prom, history, Walleye Whamma fishing contest

Buy your button, grab a schedule and get ready for the 2004 Peter Mitchell Fun Days in Babbitt.Events start this Friday with the and continue through Sunday, June 27.Two new events have been added and each will debut on Friday night. The first is a history program at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center. The history of Babbitt will be presented by Marvin Lamppa. Then at 7:30 p.m. it’s the Senior Citizens Prom with live music for those 50 and up, also at the Municipal Center.Saturday brings the fifth annual Walleye Whamma fishing contest. Held on Birch Lake, this event has been popular with both locals and visitors with prizes totalling over $9,000.The top walleye caught in Birch Lake will fetch $1,500. And, the anglers who finish in 10th, 30th and 40th place will each win $1,000.Other prizes include a bar donated by Kasson, a pontoon for a day donated by Timber Bay, a Floe trailer donated by Jimmy Z’s and a MinnKota trolling motor donated by Shore Lunch. Those interested in participating should register by June 16 to take advantage of the $20 entry fee. After Wednesday, the fee is $25. The fishing contest gets underway with a shotgun start at 11 a.m., a sight to see in itself. Fishing ends at 4 p.m. with all fish registered by 4:30 p.m.An award ceremony for the fishing contest will be held Saturday night at Tank’s Bar beginning at 7 p.m. Recreational boaters should be aware that the Babbitt Beach public landing will still be open but that a shuttle service will be in place to and from cars and boats.For swimmers, the Babbitt Beach will be closed on Saturday for safety reasons. The Miss Babbitt contest starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19 in the JFK High School Auditorium. Competing will be Jessica Ann Harris, Raquel Angelique Freeman, Charlene Marie Haapala and Amber Paige Akemann. Sunday starts the Business Softball Tournament with games played across from the Bryant Center at the main entrance to Babbitt. This year there will also be a Home Run Derby. Look inside for more information on the derby. Peter Mitchell Days then builds up over next week with numerous events before the main weekend.Fireworks, Kid Again Fun Shows, races, a golf scramble, the famous rover radar run, bocce ball and a parade are all part of the following week’s activities in Babbitt.