Contact: Carol Altepeter, Event Coordinator
218-828-2334
Carol.altepeter@state.mn.us

May 12, 2007 - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point will be the site of the 60th anniversary of the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, May 10 and 11, 2008. Governor Pawlenty made the announcement at the end of this year’s event at Leech Lake.

The 2008 Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held in the neighboring communities of Pequot Lake and Breezy Point. The two communities have a great history of working together to promote their area.

Breezy Point Resort will serve as the headquarters for the 2008 event. The resort has a grand tradition of hosting past Governor’s Fishing Openers including Governor Harold LeVander in 1970, Governor Rudy Perpich in 1989 and Governor Jesse Ventura in 2001.

“It’s a great time to have the Opener in the Pequot Lakes - Breezy Point area. This event is about fishing, but, it is also a celebration of our hosting communities and the kick-off to the summer tourism season,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state agency that coordinates the event. “What better place to host this 60th anniversary, than in the great Brainerd Lakes area so well-known for its hospitality and variety of fun activities for any visitor to the area.”

Co-chairs Dr. Ryan and Patty Buell will lead the hundreds of volunteers that will organize and work on the event. Dr. Ryan and Ms. Buell report that, “The communities of Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point are very excited to host Governor Tim Pawlenty and all the guests for the 60th anniversary Governors Fishing Opener in 2008. The Brainerd Lakes Chamber and the Brainerd Lakes Area are truly honored to have been chosen to plan this celebration.”

The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry. In recent years, the Opener has served as a celebration kickoff for the summer tourism season. It provides the community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities, attractions and other points of interest.

More information can be found at: www.mngovernorsopener.com

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