Gander Mountain Announces Platinum Sponsorship of 2016 Governor's Fishing Opener

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Minneapolis-based outdoor retailer Gander Mountain announced their Platinum Walleye sponsorship of the 2016 Governor's Fishing Opener, taking place on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, Minnesota. This marks 69 years of the annual tradition and Gander Mountain will join Minnesotans all over the state on Saturday, May 14, for the opening of the fishing season.

"We are proud to once again be a big part of the annual Governor's Fishing Opener which has been a strong tradition in our home state for almost 70 years," said Derek Siddons, Gander Mountain's President. "At Gander Mountain, we are all about helping families create outdoor memories and making sure they are prepared for every season, whether they're an experienced outdoorsman or a first-time fisherman."

Taking place May 12-14, this year's Governor's Fishing Opener will bring together Midwest and Minnesota media, sponsors, dignitaries, local residents, community hosts for a unique experience to kick off Minnesota's summer tourism season. For the first time ever, the 69^th annual Governor's Fishing Opener will be hosted by the McGregor Area Chamber of Commerce, with Big Sandy Lake Lodge & Resort as headquarters.

Open to the public, the Community Picnic will take place on Friday, May 13, at 4 p.m. in Pine Rail Park, downtown McGregor. Gander Mountain will be on-site with displays and fun activities for kids and adults, as well as a prize wheel and great giveaways for attendees. Gander Mountain is once again producing and sponsoring the official Governor's Fishing Opener hat, which will be given to all registered guests of the event. Gander Mountain and Plano also teamed up to supply the commemorative tackle bags as part of this year's event. Full details of the weekend's events can be found at the fishing opener's official website, http://www.mngovernorsopener.com.

To celebrate the opener weekend and help local fishing enthusiasts prepare for the big day, all Gander Mountain locations throughout Minnesota will be running in-store promotions prior to opener on Saturday, May 7, including:

• Free Berkley Line winding for up to three reels with Trilene XL 6# and 8# only (from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
• First 50 customers in each store to make a fishing purchase will receive a free long sleeve performance shirt and new fusion hooks
• First 100 kids 12 and under will be able to design their own fishing lure for free
• The Saturday of Opener weekend, all customers will receive $20 in Gander Cash for every $100 spent on fishing gear to be redeemed 5/12-5/15 in-store

The Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, being held for the first time this year on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. Designed to improve Minnesota's economy through the development and promotion of the state's recreational opportunities, Minnesota's Governor's Fishing Opener has evolved into a statewide celebration of community and recreation.

Use the Gander Mountain store locator tool online to find the closest Gander Mountain store in your area at www.gandermountain.com.

About Gander Mountain Company
Gander Mountain Company headquartered in St. Paul, MN, is the nation's largest and fastest-growing 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. Gander Mountain has launched a national campaign encouraging responsible firearms ownership – take the Responsibility Pledge at www.GanderMountain.com and use the hashtag #responsibilitypledge in social media to raise awareness. Gander Mountain has more than 160 conveniently-located outdoor lifestyle stores in 27 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.

SOURCE Gander Mountain Company

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