Photo By BROOK CLARK. Copyright 2015. all rights reserved.

It was party central on the ice this past weekend, as Tent Cities popped up all over the lake On grills, hot dogs and hamburgers were keeping the ice anglers warm. The above shot was taken by Andy Mosca, at an “awesome” party he and some buds attended.

There's no doubt about it, the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club's Annual Ice Fishing Derby is one heck of an economic driver for many businesses here, as the long, long winter, rolls to a close. And judging by the sled packed parking lot at Sticks and Stones, many took Governor Andrew Cuomo's offer of free sledding for out of staters, to check out our amazing trail network. Want proof of the impact? Packed bars and restaurants, with "NO VACANCY" signs everywhere.

Meanwhile, the official Facebook Page of the 2015 Schroon Lake Fishing Dereby has some terrific shots of some big fish caught over the weekend.Check 'em out.

Photo courtesy Schroon lake Fish and Game Club Ice Derby Contest: Dale Pecor with his prize winning laker — Photo courtesy Schroon lake Fish and Game Club Ice Derby Contest: Dale Pecor with his prize winning laker

The event netted some big prize money for the winners, and raised a heap of dough for the Fish and Game Club club to support all of their activities. From the Derby organizers:

"The Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club would like to thank everyone who participated and volunteered in this year’s Ice Fishing Derby for your continued support. Thank you all for another awesome Ice Fishing Derby. We hope you all had a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you all again next year".

What was the best part about the weekend for you? Tell us in comments.