MEXICO – Returning to its roots, the Mexico Lions Club decided to bump its annual ice fishing derby at Roxbury Pond up two weeks to Valentine’s Day to celebrate the fundraising event’s 30th year.

Usually held on the last Saturday in February, the Larry Mercier Memorial derby was originally held on Valentine’s Day weekend, co-organizer Roland Patenaude said.

“So, we figured we’d move it back to that week for its 30th year, and the kids are on vacation then and, because it’s a free fishing day,” Patenaude said Friday in Mexico.

Free ice fishing days in Maine are the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Presidents’ Day annually. This means anyone whose license hasn’t been revoked or suspended can fish on these days without a license. All other laws and regulations apply.

The Lions derby is offering more than $5,000 in cash and prizes.

“We have bigger door prizes than usual and you don’t have to be there to win,” co-organizer and Lions president Jim Theriault said Wednesday in Rumford.

Among prizes are an ice auger, a meat package provided by Naples Packing, Black Mountain ski and tubing passes, lift tickets for Sunday River Ski Resort, tanning sessions by All That Jazz, and a power of attorney and living will from Mexico lawyer Paul Dumas.

“We got some good sponsorships,” Patenaude said.

The derby’s grand prize is $2,000 for the lucky angler who catches a specially-tagged brook trout measuring 17 to 18 inches long and weighing 3 to 4 pounds, co-organizer Jim Theriault said Wednesday in Rumford.

“No one’s ever caught it during the derby when it’s worth $2,000,” he said. “We used to insure that fish and the prize to catch it during the derby would be $2,500, but the insurance kept increasing, so we put the money into an account and set it at $2,000.”

Usually, the big fish and two others are added to the pond shortly before the event at a secret location.

Proceeds raised from the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. event Saturday, Feb. 14, go toward hearing aids and eye care in the River Valley. The rain date is Sunday, Feb. 15. The entry fee is $10.

For largest pickerel and bass, first-place anglers in each category will get $200. Second-place gets $150 and third gets $100. Additionally, $150 is offered for the largest trout and $100 for the largest perch.

Unless there is an unexpected and prolonged warming spell, there should be plenty of ice, Patenaude said.

“We’ve got 2 feet of ice out there right now and there are places at other ponds that have just 3 inches. Plus, the snow’s blowing right off the pond, so people will be able to get around,” he said.

All prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m. the day of the derby. The Lions lunch wagon will be available for hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, coffee and more.

The Lions will also be selling raffle tickets and offering preregistration for the derby at a public supper on Friday, Jan. 16, at the Lions Club Lions Den off Route 2 beside the Mexico town office.

“Ten dollars puts a person into all drawings, so it will be even worth it buying a ticket and not going, because you’d still win something,” Patenaude added.

For more information, contact Theriault at 364-9050 or Patenaude at 562-0949 or 364-2827.