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World’s Largest Lure coming to Len Thompson Pond in Lacombe

Monument celebrates legacy of family business, central Alberta fishing and the community of Lacombe
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Photo Courtesy: Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. Ltd.

The World’s Largest Fishing Lure will soon be unveiled in Lacombe and the owners of Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. Ltd are excited to bring a lasting monument to the community.

Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. Ltd. President, Brad Pallister, who partnered with Lacombe Fish and Game and the Echo Lacombe Community Grant Fund to design and develop this project, said the original idea came from one of his staff members.

“They were driving across the western provinces and everywhere had the largest this and that. He commented to me that you should make the world’s largest lure,” he said. “I talked it over with some partners and Lacombe Fish and Game — that is how it came to fruition over the course of eight, nine months.

“We are going to have an event in a couple weeks here and we will talk about the design at that point.”

Pallister — whose grandfather was Len Thompson, designer the well-known 5-of-diamonds lure — said the event is a way for his family to celebrate 90 years in business, 61 of which have been in Lacombe.

“We have been part of the community for sure, but maybe not as loud as proud as we should be,” Pallister said. “It has been a wonderful place for three generations of our family. We were all born and raised here.

“This monument is one way for us to give back to certain degree and when we partnered with Lacombe Fish and Game — they thought it was a great idea.”

The lure, being constructed on Len Thompson pond, is to not only celebrate the history of Len Thompson Lures, but also encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.

“There are few local hot spots for fishing nearby with Buffalo Lake and Gull Lake,” Pallister said. “There is no river running through the town, so the fish ponds help bring a local fishing aspect to the community.

“They have been a wonderful edition for over 15 years. They have fostered local fishing and this certainly has been a wonderful home for our business.”

Pallister said the project wouldn’t have got off the ground without the support of their partners.

“Lacombe Fish and Game have been a great supporter of hunting, fishing and conservation in central Alberta for a long time. We always have had a good partnership and we have tried to support youth angling initiatives and conservation initiatives.

“Echo Lacombe has been a wonderful as well. They were really excited to get involved in a community based initiative that fosters conservation, a family business and community all in one monument.”

He added, “We are excited for the project to be completed and for everyone to enjoy the monument for many decades.”

The lure is set to be unveiled on June 1st on Kids Can Catch Fishing day, with members of Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. Ltd, Echo Lacombe and the City of Lacombe will be present — including Mayor Grant Creasey.

“Once complete, the world’s largest lure will become a must-see attraction for visitors, and help cement the already established legacy of Len Thompson Lures in our community,” Creasey said in an earlier release.



todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com

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