LAC DU FLAMBEAU, WS–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  Reality television is taking the country by storm and viewers can’t get enough of the ordinary blue-collar Joes turned celebrities. Just ask the staff at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino who hosted Discovery’s Deadliest Catch’s Captain Sig Hansen this past Saturday, Aug. 14. Hansen’s visit was part of the Great Northwoods Fish Fry Fest, a first time event that drew well more than 2,000 visitors eager to meet the famed captain of the FV Northwestern and to eat fried fish. In addition, it was Hansen’s first trip to Wisconsin.

The Great Northwoods Fish Fry Fest was held on Friday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 14 at the casino. Cooks, restaurateurs and fishing guides from across the Midwest competed for more than $11,000 in cash prizes, plaques and bragging rights for preparing the best fish fry in the Northwoods.

“I’m just astounded by the response we had from visitors to the area and from our regular guests here at Lake of the Torches. It was simply phenomenal,” said Lake of the Torches’ Director of Marketing Michael J Broderick. “The Deadliest Catch is one of the most watched and respected reality shows on cable and viewers love to see the stars. They traveled for hours from across the Midwest and were lined up for hours eager for the chance to see their favorite fishing captain. We can’t wait to host Sig and his brothers again here at Lake of the Torches in the near future.”

Hansen is the captain of the Northwestern, the crab fishing vessel known as one of Dutch Harbor’s top producers, which is featured on the reality television show Deadliest Catch. His brothers, Edgar and Norman, serve on board as well. The Hansen brothers have fishing in their blood. Their father was one of the pioneers of the Bering Sea fishing industry.

“This was an incredible day for anyone who loves both the Wisconsin tradition of a good fish fry and the adventurous spirit of the Deadliest Catch. It was an honor for many Midwesterners to meet and talk in person to Sig Hansen. I’ve watched the Deadliest Catch for years and seen how he makes his living in the harsh conditions of the Bering Sea, and the man deserved to have such a fantastic response from his fans. We are glad to have been able to bring him here,” remarked Broderick.

Broderick and his team have booked several celebrity appearances at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, a move that has paid off both in publicity for the casino and in bringing many more guests to the property located in the middle of the rural Northwoods of Wisconsin. This past March, more than 3,000 guests attended a promotion to see Rick, Corey and Chumlee of History’s Pawn Stars. Fabio Viviani, a Top Chef fan favorite and Evan Marriott, also known as Joe Millionaire, also have paid a visit to the Wisconsin casino-resort. Not to be outdone, the stars of History’s new hit American Pickers will be featured guests during a promotion on Lake of the Torches’ gaming floor in October.

Situated on the shores of Pokegama Lake and nestled in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino has a feel of a classic Northern retreat and reflects its Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has over 800 slot machines (including a high-limit and non-smoking area), 12 blackjack tables, Let it Ride, Three Card Poker, and three poker tables, a high-stakes Bingo Hall seating up to 500 persons, the Game Time Grill and the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant. The hotel has 101 well-appointed rooms, the Dancing Waters Lounge and the Woodland Oasis pool area. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with the Hall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions, trade shows, meetings, presentations and seminars. It is proudly owned and operated by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

More information on upcoming events at Lake of the Torches is available at
www.lakeofthetorches.com.