2025 Hardwater Freaks Event –

Hardwater Freaks has been hosting annual Ice Fishing events for the last six years. They recently have made the move down to Okauchee Wisconsin, where they would love to see you, all of your friends, family, and more join them for a great day of live music, food, raffles, and good times. You don’t need to be an ice fisherman or fisherman at all to come down have a great time and help us raise money for kids fishing adventures, veteran owned small businesses, and Goldstar families.

They are proud to announce the partnership of their main beneficiaries, LCPL DEAN OPICKA MEMORIAL FUND and MEMORIAL VALOR FOUNDATION. As a combination of the two they cover Gold Star families, Community needs and the future of the next generation as fueled by the legacy of the fallen. In addition to partnering with these incredible organizations, HARDWATER FREAKS will continue to take the reins on setting a whole new tone for kids in the outdoors. Last year HARDWATER FREAKS not only sponsored and fueled many charter trips with Manhardt Charters, but provided lunch, photography and making of lifetime memories. Last, but certainly not least, HARDWATER FREAKS will also be selecting veteran-owned small businesses in the great outdoor community to support through the donations and funds raised at this year’s event.

In addition to the beneficiary partnerships, there will be live music throughout the event presented by the one and only David Charles Productions. David and his crew will be setup and offering music, lighting, taking special requests and more. Additionally, recording artist Zakk Daniel will be on and off the mic getting the party rocking and rolling!

The last few years, the annual event raised a crazy amount of money allowing them to fuel the mission with veterans, kids, and more in the great outdoors! They are excited to see what greatness this year’s event will bring to veterans and children in the great outdoors!

WHO CAN ATTEND the 2025 HARDWATER FREAKS EVENT?

The HARDWATER FREAKS Annual Ice Event is for everyone! Unlike other events in the fishing community, the doors are open to all walks of anglers and their families. You do not need to partake in the online fishing tournament or even go fishing to attend this event. Whether you have caught thousands of fish or never stepped foot on the ice, you are welcome to join in the cause to change the future for kids, veterans and gold star families alike!

PARKING

There will be ample parking at the event. Parking will be available in the main parking lot outside of the Lions club that wraps the building. There is also ample road side parking for your access needs. The building is close enough to the road that you can easily drop your fellow attendees off at the road side to head into the building while you find parking.

TIMELINE

3pm: Doors open to the general public. This offers ample time for you to still enjoy a Saturday before the event.

4pm: Online tournament comes to end. If the winners of the online tourney are in attendance, there will be a large gift per winner on top of funds won.

5pm: Dinner. They will be offering a cookout style dinner for all. This is included in your ticket purchase.

645pm: Public speaking and group picture. All must be in attendance for this as they appreciate the annual group picture.

7pm: Raffle draw begins. You must have a general admission ticket in order to purchase raffle tickets. Must be present!

930(ish): Drop dead time!

ALCOHOL

There will be alcohol served at this event. They will have the beverage focus on several kinds of beers and seltzers. All proceeds from alcohol sales will fuel the mission with the next generation in the great outdoors.

TICKET PURCHASE

Tickets are available for $25.00 and includes dinner (wristband provided, access to the MONSTER raffles, and your contribution to Hardwater Freaks to allow them to continue their mission with kids and veterans in the outdoors.) 5 free raffle tickets come with every general admission purchase. Walk on attendees without a pre-purchased ticket will still be subject to the $25 general admission fee. Any persons/attendees 5 years and older must have an event ticket to partake in the event, including raffles. Ticket purchases are nonrefundable. Any purchased tickets which are not redeemed shall be utilized as a donation to the event. Please print your ticket voucher you receive via email.

ONLINE FISHING TOURNEY (FISH DONKEY)

There will be an online fishing tournament offered to all Wisconsin Fishing License holders for the entire week leading up to the event. You will be able to find that information on the Fish Donkey site and app soon. You do not need to attend the event to take part in this tourney. If the winner of categories is in attendance at the event, there will be a massive additional prize offered.

RAFFLE

You must have an event ticket to purchase raffle tickets. THOUSANDS of dollars in raffle items will be available including some crowd-pleasing products from some of their favorite brands including: DAIWA, DANGLER ROD HOLDER, MR. HEATER, JAY ROPE, ESKIMO ICE FISHING, CASTLE X, WIDOW MAKER LURES, ENGEL COOLERS AND DOZENS MORE! (must be present to win). There will also be 50/50 raffles going on throughout the event.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Make sure to dress appropriate for the temps and weather forecasted. The doors will be opening and closing all day. Bring a jacket please. Please also follow their socials to stay up to date with any changes that may happen.

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Hope to see you there!