 The ice fishing extravaganza gives a major boost to the winter tourism industry in the Brainerd Lakes area. Our Sarah Winkelman has more on how the large-scale event impacts the community. The Brainerd Lakes is known for their many resorts and lakes that help them thrive as a summer tourist destination. In the wintertime we need tourism too. That is where the Brainerd JC's ice fishing extravaganza comes in. As the contest brings thousands of people to the area, it gives local businesses a boost right when they need it most. We have a lot of heads and beds. There's a lot of people that are at our different lodging facilities. Our retailers are doing an awesome business this weekend as is our restaurants. Located right near the action on Highway 371 is SNW Bait Shop. Our whole youth winter business is reliant on this extravaganza. Sherry said that with extreme weather this year, they have been extra slow and the contest couldn't have come at a better time. This should put, practically save our winter this year. The conveniently located Bait Shop will be open for 24 hours straight as the anglers head into town. You get a lot of people that have just come up, they want to talk, they want information, they want to look around, and yeah, we end up with usually somebody in here all night long. Over the weekend, Highway 371 will be backed up between Brainerd and Niswa as traffic moves to just one single lane. Now if you are planning to attend the ice fishing extravaganza, they recommend that you take the shuttle bus. Because in the contest area, the two lane does go down to one lane, and we keep one lane open only for bus traffic, for the shuttling that's going back and forth. The sheriff's office anticipates many locals will drive by to see the contest in action, but if you do plan to, just be prepared to go slow. You know, take your time. If you have to drive through the area, just bring your patience with you. Whether you are participating in the fun or just along for the ride, the Brainerd Lakes community is proud to host the ice fishing extravaganza. It helps with summer tourism, it helps with winter tourism, but beyond any of that, it helps people make memories right here in the Brainerd Lakes area. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winkelman, Lakeland News. The contest is attracting many large organizations including the BBC who will be in town for the event. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.