Jason Virgin of Rumford participates in the 2017 Larry Mercier Ice Fishing Derby on Roxbury Pond while he holds his daughter Khloie. Facing him, from left, are his daughter Jaedynn, a friend Skye Mills and Jason’s daughter Raeleigh. This year’s derby will be Saturday, Feb. 17, to coincide with Maine’s free fishing days Feb. 17 and 18. (File photo)

ROXBURY — The 38th annual Larry Mercier Ice Fishing Derby will be held Feb. 17 on Roxbury Pond, sponsored once again by the Mexico Lions Club.

The derby coincides with Maine’s free fishing days Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18. Everyone, except those whose license has been suspended or revoked, can fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.

A tagged brook trout that, if caught, will be worth $2,000.

The entry fee is $10, which places everyone in the running for all prizes awarded including an ice auger. The club and Mexico Trading Post are sharing the cost of the auger.

Tickets may be purchased at the trading post, Roland’s Automotive in Mexico and Baker’s Country Store in Roxbury.

Prize payouts include:

• Largest bass — $200, $150, $100.

• Largest pickerel — $200, $150, $100.

• Largest trout — $150.

• Largest perch — $100.

All prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m.

The Mexico Police Explorers will run the Lions Club lunch wagon, selling breakfast foods, grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, coffee and hot chocolate.

Lions Club member Roland Patneaude said the derby is a fundraiser for the club’s eye care program.

“We’re trying to raise money for an eye screening machine,” he said. “It’s a portable machine we want to take to the schools to do eye screening for the kids to check if they need glasses or for eye diseases.”

Martha Baker of Baker’s Country Store said people can preregister for the derby and pre-order live bait by calling 207-545-2713.

Rain date is Sunday, Feb. 18. For more information, contact Patneaude at 207-357-8175.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net