For most people, the 1975 film Jaws was enough to send them running from the water. For others, it spurred them to run towards it. "[Jaws] did it for me," says Steve Philbrook from Aquaventure Scuba and Travel in Maple Grove, Minnesota. "Marine life has always fascinated me... I don't have a death wish or anything."
His love of scuba will bring Steve and many other scuba divers to the Iron Range this weekend for the 16th annual Scuba Palooza. On Saturday, August 15th, enthusiasts will be gearing up for a day in Lake Ore-Be-Gone for a variety of events, including a raffle, lunch, and some treasure hunting. "We hide 15 medallions and each medallion gets a prize, and they're significant prizes," says Philbrook.
The clear waters of the ore pits make the range an ideal location for a scuba event like this. "You can see a good 30 feet," says Philbrook. "Most of the lakes you get about 5." Though Minnesota is probably not the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of scuba, the event draws upwards of 150 recreational and professional divers.
For more information about Scuba Palooza, visit the Aquaventure website, or check their Facebook page.
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