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Ike Eigen of Eden Prairie
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Since 1959, on the morning of the walleye and northern pike fishing opener, the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce's Welcome Wannigan has served hot coffee and doughnuts to fishermen on Gull Lake.
This year, the chamber will have a pontoon on Pelican Lake as well for the Governor's Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 10.
Mike Wilfehrt, who owns the Totem Pole in Nisswa, agreed to use his pontoon on Pelican. Also on board serving coffee and doughnuts will be Nisswa Mayor Brian Lehman; Miss Nisswa Sammy Mraz; Susan Mezzenga, executive director of the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce; and Sylvie Gilman, chamber board secretary.
Jim Dullum, owner of Martin's Sports Shop in Nisswa, uses his pontoon each year on Gull Lake. Also on board on Gull will be Miss Nisswa royalty; Lee Seipp, chamber board president; LaJeanna Eckhoff, chamber board member; and Mary Blexrud, administrative assistant to the director at the chamber.
The idea for the Welcome Wannigan originated with Peg Benton, wife of then-Nisswa mayor Russ Benton. Her idea was to take an old Scandinavian coffee and doughnut tradition and blend it with northwoods history.
Wannigan was a term used for supply boats that plied the waters of Minnesota lakes bringing needed goods and foods to logging camps.
Traditionally, Miss Nisswa has been on board the serving pontoon - rain, shine or snow - to welcome the anglers.
