Ely casts line for fishing votes

[Lee Borgersen]

4/22/2011 2:20:00 PM  Email this article • Print this article  
Ely casts line for fishing votes

by Tom Coombe

Internet voting has begun in a contest to determine the Ultimate Fishing Town in America, and Ely is one of the contenders.

The first of two rounds in the contest, put on by the World Fishing Network, started April 12 and Ely is in the running from the Midwest Region.

Balloting continues until May 3, and 20 towns will move into the final round later in the month, with the winning town receiving a $25,000 contribution to be used toward "any fishing related causes."

The Ely Chamber of Commerce is drumming up support for the community, urging residents, visitors or simply fans of the community to go online at http://www.wfnfishingtown.com/town/ely-mn
First-time voters will be sent an e-mail to confirm their address, and voters must verify that address for their votes to count.

People may vote up to four times per day, and Ely supporters hope that voters will do their own campaigning and tout Ely's bid through social networks including Facebook and Twitter.

In 2010, through a similar contest, Port Alberni, British Columbia was named Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town.

Supporters say Ely is a natural for the recognition, given the community's proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the many other area lakes that help to attract several hundred thousand visitors per year.

Ely may also have another built-in fan base online, the many people who have voted for the community in several other successful online endeavors.

Last year, Ely was victorious in Budget Travel Magazine's online balloting for the "Coolest Small Town in America."

The North American Bear Center won $100,000 in an online contest, and Bear Head Lake State Park received $100,000 and the title of America's Favorite Park. The Ely schools also won $25,000.
 
 

[Lee Borgersen]

Ely Could sure use your vote

  I had the wrong link up yesterday, but it's fixed now so give it another visit and vote

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