Gander Mountain Sponsors Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener

ST. PAUL, MN -- The Governor's Fishing Opener is a generations-old tradition in Minnesota, and Minnesota-based Gander Mountain is once again playing a significant role in the fun. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will head out onto the waters of Lake Waconia for his second fishing opener and he'll be bringing one of the most trusted names in outdoor gear along with him. Minnesota-based Gander Mountain is a "Platinum Walleye" sponsor for the Governor's Fishing Opener weekend of events, which begins on Friday, May 11 in Waconia.

"As a major retailer and employer in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Gander Mountain is once again proud to play a role in this cherished Minnesota tradition," said Steve Uline, Gander Mountain's executive vice president of marketing. "Minnesota is our home, and as the state's largest retailer of hunting, fishing and camping gear, this is a natural fit. The Governor's Fishing Opener has been an annual part of Minnesota's great outdoor tradition for more than 60 years, just as countless outdoors enthusiasts in Minnesota have made a stop at their local Gander Mountain store a part of their recreation plans."

The 2012 Minnesota fishing season officially opens on May 12, when Governor Dayton and hundreds of others will fish Lake Waconia, but the Governor's Fishing Opener will include a full weekend of family outdoors events in the Waconia area. Gander Mountain, has again partnered with Frabill to provide each of the hundreds of registered anglers a commemorative aerated bait container. In addition, Gander Mountain's walleye hats, made popular at the 2011 State Fair, will be available at the weekend's Community Picnic, which will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11 in Waconia's City Square Park. Full details of the weekend's events can be found at the fishing opener's official web site, http://www.mngovernorsopener.com.

"The Waconia community and the organizers of the Governor's Fishing Opener weekend are delighted to have Minnesota's own Gander Mountain once again join the event's outstanding lineup of sponsors," said Kelly Sites, president of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, and one of the key organizers of the weekend. "We expect that the walleye hats will be a huge hit, and we are pleased to share our community, our hospitality, and our event with great Minnesota companies like Gander Mountain that share our passion for the outdoors."

The Governor's Fishing Opener has been a renowned Minnesota event every spring since 1948, when then-Governor Luther Youngdahl organized a fishing outing on Lake Mille Lacs near Isle to promote outdoor recreation in the state.

About Gander Mountain Company
Gander Mountain Company headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., is the nation's largest retail network of outdoor specialty stores for hunting, fishing, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services. Since 1960, Gander Mountain has offered the best selection of outdoor equipment, technical apparel, active casual wear, and footwear featuring national, regional and specialty brands at competitive prices. Focused on a "We Live Outdoors®" culture, Gander Mountain dedicates itself to creating outdoor memories. There are currently 114 conveniently located Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores in 23 states. For the nearest store location call 800-282-5993 or visit www.GanderMountain.com Gander Mountain is also the parent company of Overton's (www.overtons.com), a leading catalog and Internet based retailer of products for boating and other water sports enthusiasts.

Contact:
Jess Myers 651-290-7465 (o) 612-910-3058 (c)