The Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce presents International Eelpout Festival as the Member of The Week! Each week a new business will be featured as a “thank you” for being a part of our membership. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce please give us a call at 218-547-1313 and we will be happy to give you some more information!
For the past 30 years, and for three days every February, crowds that are more than 10 times the population of tiny Walker, Minn. (pop. 1,069) gather on Minnesota’s third largest lake (112,000-acres), Leech Lake, for a festival named for one of the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout. In a state where it is common to embrace the quirky and find great fun in the most unlikely circumstances and weather conditions, this festival is pure Minnesota fun.
My name is Luke and from the bemidji area for about 37 years and this year threw friends and coworkers there is some rumor!!! Of eel pout coming to bemidji lake???? anything of that truth would be awesome!!! Would be a great opportunity to show bemidji a good time !! Thanks
It would be a shame for the festival owner to move it from Leech Lake and Walker. It has been a pillar in the community for nearly 40 years. It is sad that profits are the primary motivation. Once it is gone Walker business owners and the community should think about a new festival, perhaps one that raises money for some good causes all the while providing tons of fun for participants.
I for one will not go anywhere but Leech Lake during the Eelpout festival, regardless of where it is at. I would encourage other veteran pouters to do the same.
I wonder how excited Bemidji would be if someone wanted to move there beloved Paul and Babe statutes or the Dragon Boat Festival to Walker??