GREAT POND — Ice fishing enthusiasts came to the Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center on January 21 to support a good cause.

Operation Reboot Outdoors held its second annual ice fishing derby at Great Pond in Hancock County.

Proceeds from the event go towards the operation’s mission of helping veterans to get out into nature through hunting, fishing and more.

Organizers say they were worried the unseasonably warm winter weather wouldn’t allow the derby to take place, but with ice thick enough to walk and snowmobile on, people came out in droves.

Daniel Waite, founder of Operation Reboot Outdoors, spoke about the event’s turnout.

“I think the response is good, everybody is saying hi to each other — smiles on their faces — and there’s not anybody freezing like they were last year,” said Waite. “I love the environment out here. You know, you’re out here, pretty remote, and it just gives you that feel of just being out here with people and having a great time.”

In addition to prizes for derby winners, items were raffled off to participants just for joining the competition.

To learn more about the non-profit, visit operationrebootoutdoors.com.