[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan kicked off the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in Albert Lea this weekend.

PHOTO GALLERY: Gov. Tim Walz kicks off summer with fishing opener in Albert Lea (Star Tribune)

Gov. Tim Walz travels to Albert Lea to kick off summer with his first Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener.

WATCH: Walz, Flanagan stop at Cabela’s in Owatonna to get their fishing licenses

Flanagan Beats Walz in a Friendly Fishing Competition at the 72nd MN Governor's Fishing Opener (KAAL)

Thousands took part in this year's Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener held right here in our region.

TWEET: Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan had a poll on social media to see who will catch the most fish on Saturday

Governor opens walleye fishing season on Fountain Lake (Albert Lea Tribune)

As hundreds of fisherman and spectators from around the area gathered at the park, many community leaders joined Walz, including Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., Shell Rock Watershed District Administrator Andy Henschel and Executive Director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Susie Petersen on the stage to praise all the work Albert Lea has done to make the event happen.

Gov. Walz kicks off Fishing Opener in Albert Lea (KBJR)

This is Governor Walz’s first time hosting the official Governor’s Fishing Opener and the first time a Governor has hosted the annual event in Albert Lea.

WATCH: Governor Walz welcomes Minnesotans to Albert Lea for the 2019 Governor’s Fishing Opener

Governor’s Fishing Opener celebrates fishing tourism in Minnesota (West Central Tribune)

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Gov. Tim Walz kicked off the 2019 summer fishing season at Fountain Lake. The 72nd annual Governor’s Fishing Opener served as a celebration of the host community, Minnesota tourism and the state’s bountiful fisheries.

Governor’s Fishing Opener Weekend Kicks Off With Community Picnic In Albert Lea (WCCO)

For a town of just more than 18,000 people, Albert Lea sure knows how to roll out the red carpet and welcome visitors to what they call the ‘Up North of Down South.’ For the very first time in its 70-year history, the Governor’s Fishing Opener is happening in the town, just 90 miles south of the Twin Cities.

Albert Lea hosts 72nd annual Governor's Fishing Opener (KARE 11)

Albert Lea is known as the ‘Land between the lakes.’ A great place to find walleye, northern pike, or crappies.

POST: Governor Walz stopped by to say hi to Albert Lea’s infamous “pool dude”

Fish, Fun & Experience MN - 2019 MN Governor's Fishing Opener (KAAL)

The jewel Gov. Walz refers to is Albert Lea, which will be hosting the opener for the first time. Officials from Explore Minnesota said the area isn't often looked at as a vacation destination, but believe the exposure from the opener will change that.

Walz, Flanagan, local leaders attend community picnic in Albert Lea (Albert Lea Tribune)

While the Minnesota governor and lieutenant governor did not arrive at Friday night’s community picnic in their signature buffalo plaid, those planning the fishing opener made sure they did not leave Albert Lea without it.

Kids take center stage leading up to Governor’s Fishing Opener

Kids gathered again when Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan arrived with DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen to read a proclamation signed by Gov. Tim Walz.

TWEET: Lt. Governor Flanagan bought her daughter her first fishing pole

Minnesotans took to social media to share their experiences at the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener using the hashtag #MNGFO2019