It’s still a ways away, but I wanted to get the word out early about the annual Northwest Ice Fishing Festival in Molson, near Oroville. This will be the 21st year that the community has conducted the event, and it just gets bigger and better every year. I attended the event several years ago and was very impressed with how this small community turns out to make sure everyone is having a good time. It will take place on Saturday, January 18th this year and the actual fishing will be on nearby Sidley Lake. Registration can be done online through the Oroville Washington Chamber of Commerce website. Also, you can register at the event starting at 7 a.m. and the derby starts at eight and runs through one. There is a wonderful breakfast served at the Molson Grange Hall, and a lunch provided by Sitzmark. Hot chocolate will be available right on the lake while you’re fishing. Thanks to a functioning aerator on the lake, fishing has vastly improved the past few years. The festival is sponsored by the Oroville Chamber and proceeds benefit the local community. This is truly a very fun event that the whole family can enjoy.