The Douglas County Fish and Game League held its annual sports show at Wessman Arena from March 24 to March 26. At the sports show, local vendors were looking to promote their products, which guests could purchase or they could learn more about the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The local Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center had a booth at the Douglas County Fish and Game League sports show looking for applicants for their annual Veterans to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip. “A trip where we take six to eight veterans from anywhere around the country,” said John Gidley, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center executive director.

The trip is from July 10 to July 15 and is an all expense paid trip where veterans can enjoy the beauty of the BWCA. The Veterans Historical Center will supply the participants with everything they need for the trip. All the participants need to bring is clothing for the trip and that lucky fishing gear.

“We get a lot of local sponsors to help us with the trip, but ironically the biggest struggle for us is actually getting people to apply,” said Gidley Applicants only need to fill out the application once, and if spots are full, they will be held for next year. Any veterans interested in a trip to the BWCA can find applications at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center or online at BongCenter.org.

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is a local museum that honors veterans and tells the story of UWSuperior alum Richard I. Bong, a World War II veteran known as ‘Ace of Aces.’