A year ago, organizers planned a special day of ice fishing for area youths in order to get them interested in the outdoors.

The weather didn’t exactly cooperate.

“I think my thermometer [bottomed] out,” says Steve Norris, one of the organizers. “It was around zero, with some wind. It was kind of ugly.”

Two weeks ago, Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association planned another Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs event.

Mother Nature’s response? Equally uncooperative, as it turned out: The day’s festivities were postponed because it had been too warm, and ice was in short supply.

The third time, as they say, is the charm. At least that’s what organizers are hoping.

With this year’s first brutal cold snap (apparently) in remission, and with area lakes finally sporting a safe coat of ice, the folks at Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association are ready to try again.

The date: Saturday.

The place: Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association clubhouse on Pickerel Pond, outside of Milford.

Who’s invited: All kids under 16, and adults who want to enjoy an exciting day of fishing.

The plan: Eat. Fish. Stop by the clubhouse and learn more about Maine’s first Youth Fish and Game Association chapter. Most importantly: Have fun.

“Unlike ice fishing derbies, what we really want to do is just get some of those youngsters who may never get the opportunity otherwise [to go fishing],” Norris said. “We want to give them a first look at an activity that you can do outside with friends and family and have a great old time.”

An added attraction: Pickerel Pond has plenty of stocked brook trout, including some hefty bruisers who originally served as brood stock in the state’s hatchery system.

“Hopefully there will be some of those big lunker brookies [caught],” Norris said. “I know all the adults will like watching the kids catch those big lunker brookies.”

Dead River Co. is underwriting this year’s event, and folks who choose to attend will benefit, as the company will provide plenty to eat and drink.

The best news: No matter what the weather, everyone can stay warm … if they choose to.

“[For] years and years we had [this event and used] Air National Guard tents,” Norris said. “We’re going to have it in the nice new facility [at Pickerel Pond].”

Interested children don’t have to bring any equipment or bait; all the essentials will be provided. All kids need is warm clothing and a positive attitude.

To get to Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association clubhouse, east out of Old Town on Route 2.

About a half mile out of town, turn right on the County Road in Milford. Proceed seven miles out County Road to the Stud Mill Road, which will be your first stop sign. Turn right on the Stud Mill Road and drive three miles. The clubhouse will be on your left.

The event will run from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Polar bear update: As reported on Saturday, I plan … tentatively … to jump into Passamaquoddy Bay on Jan. 23 as part of the Washington County Community College Student Senate’s Polar Bear Dip.

All you have to do to make sure I waddle into the water in 10 days is donate money to the cause: The Ronald McDonald House.

If donations top $1,000 … I waddle. Less than that, and I start looking for excuses to remain on shore with the rest of the gawkers.

All we need is a hundred bucks a day between now and then. Seems reasonable. Right?

In a somewhat troubling development, it seems that some NEWS co-workers are determined to make me take that chilly walk.

Still, they need your help.

Send checks made out to the WCCC Student Senate or the Ronald McDonald House to the Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, 04402-1329. Put my name on the envelope, and I’ll keep you posted on how much more “incentive” I need.

So, how’s the ice on your favorite lake or pond? Sledders and anglers want to know … and I want to help them find out.

If you’ve been out on the ice over the past few days, I hope you’ll consider dropping me a line and sharing the conditions. In addition to your name and the name of the lake or pond you’re reporting on, please include the town it’s located in … many Maine lakes share the same name.

Also, if you’ve got information on potential trouble spots, feel free to share those.

I hope to be able to update you on a few angling hotspots in the days to come. In the meantime, I’ll be heading out to check a few spots of my own. The trips will be purely business … honest.

Of course, I may happen to have a bucket of bait and a couple of tip-ups with me as I test the ice thickness. Some folks, I figure, may want to know the water depth, too.

That’s what I’m telling my boss, at least.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.