Bass Tournament Turns 15

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will celebrate its 15th anniversary tonight.

Since 1995, the championship has drawn anglers from across north America to fish the waters of Rainy River.

Chair Tom Fry says community support plays a big part in keeping the event going.

"I think right from the outset is the dedication from our volunteers and the community involvement from a perspective of sponsorships," says Fry. "Without them we couldn't have kept going."

The annual tournament has become big business for the Fort Frances area with hotel, restaurants and other stores seeing a brisk business.

Fry says a recent study showed the annual event generates more than two-million dollars in the local economy.

"That includes all of the before and after effects from fisherman visiting the area, coming in for pre-fishing and coming in for other events to fishing in the fall."

Tournament organizers will mark the 15th anniversary in a number of ways this evening at the tent site.

An event that had been intended for only the anglers and sponsors of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will now be open to the public.

Winnipeg Comedian Big Daddy Tazz will perform under the big tent at 8:00 p.m.

Opening ceremonies have been moved to 7:30 p.m.

A fireworks display along the waterfront will follow at around 10:00 p.m.