ST. CLOUD -- St. Cloud has never hosted the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener in its 69 years. But, tourism officials are hopeful that changes for the 70th annual event next year.

St. Cloud Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Julie Lunning says we are one of two finalists to land the high-profile media event. The other is in southern Minnesota.

Lunning says we have a great fishery here with the Mississippi River running from Sartell, through Sauk Rapids and down to St. Cloud.  The river above the dam is more like reservoir fishing.  In Sauk Rapids, there is the rapids and bottom boat fishing.  Below the St. Cloud dam, the river sets up well for kayak fishing.

The estimated advertising value for a community which gets the Governor's Fishing Opener is approximately $2,500,000.  She says if St. Cloud is chosen, they will work closely with Sartell and Sauk Rapuds to promote the entire St. Cloud metro area as a great fishing destination.

The winner will be announced at the Governor's Celebration Dinner Saturday night, May 14th in McGregor.

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