Mud volleyball a big hit in Big Lake

The Big Lake Lions Mud Volleyball Tournament overtook the Big Lake "Y" on Saturday, drawing 26 teams and several hundred spectators to the big dirt lot across from the local post office that usually goes unnoticed the rest of the year.

The property is owned by Bob and Barbara Fisher. For about 18 years, the Fishers have donated use of the land, built the mud pits and then re-covered them after the one-day event each summer.

Big Lake Lions organize the annual tournament, and usually raise several thousand dollars in their main summer fundraising event. According to Lions Club incoming president Kevin Reider, most of the money raised will be used to assist sight-impaired individuals in the area.

Phil Hill, a Lions Club officer and local resident, said the event is among the Big Lake Lions' most popular.

"It's one of the things the community looks to every year," Hill said. "If we didn't do this, we'd really hear about it."

The Sadler's Home Furnishings team took top honors in the tournament this year, with a team from Newman's Hilltop Tesoro taking second.

Among others who assisted in the tournament this year were the Big Lake Fire and Emergency Services Department and Craig Taylor Equipment.