Family Outdoor Days at Bassmaster Elite

WADDINGTON, N.Y. (WWTI) – The Bassmaster Elite Series gets ready for its season finale, scheduled for August 15-18 at Waddington’s Whitaker Park, where final local preparations are underway. According to STLC, this event is a highlight of the season, drawing 103 elite anglers to compete on the St. Lawrence River.

The tournament also celebrates the community with a host of activities. Families are invited to join in the excitement with free Family Outdoor Days on August 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. These festivities offer a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment featuring outdoor sports, recreational activities, and local clubs, organizations, and businesses.

Daily Takeoffs/Competition:

• Takeoffs: 7:00 a.m.
• Weigh-ins: 3:00 p.m.
• Thursday & Friday: Full Field of 103 Anglers
• Saturday: Top 50 Anglers
• Sunday: Top 10 Anglers

Free, family-friendly Weekend Expo and Family Outdoor Days, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18. Featuring exhibits from B.A.S.S. sponsors and partners include:

• Toyota – Register to win a prize, and free gifts for Toyota owners. You can also check out their Bonus Bucks program. Toyota is the only truck that pays you to fish.
• Dakota Lithium – Free Powerbox 10 giveaways on Saturday and Sunday. Must be present to win.
• Nitro Boats display
• Power Pole – See all the items under their umbrella and find which product you need to take your boat to the next level.
• Ranger Boats display
• Yamaha – Check out the newest engines at the Yamaha trailer. While you are there, win free prizes and chat with Yamaha anglers.
• Daiwa – Test the latest in Daiwa reels and check out the retailer that will be selling Daiwa products.
• Garmin – Multiple displays as well as a trained professional to help you with all your electronics questions.
• Nitro/Ranger/Mercury demo rides
• Skeeter/Yamaha demo rides
• Power-Pole Total Boat Control demo rides – use their new trolling motor as well as all the other Power Pole products available.

STLC Family Outdoor Days; local exhibitors will be showcased featuring outdoor recreation and sporting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in addition to:

• Vendors
• Food Trucks
• Specialty Beverages
• Kids Activities
• Bounces Houses
• Demonstrations
• Music by B.A.S.S. DJ

Saturday is Military and First Responder Appreciation Day; show your military ID to the Bassmaster DJ and get a free Bassmaster hat, limited to the first 100 people. Sunday is B.A.S.S. Member Appreciation Day; show your B.A.S.S. member card to the Bassmaster DJ and get a free Bassmaster hat, Limited to the first 100 people.

“ Hosting the Bassmaster Elite Series is a tremendous honor for Waddington, ” said Kathryn Puleo, STLC Chamber Tourism & Events Manager. “ It’s a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the beauty of our region and support our vibrant community .”

For those who wish to get involved, there are many opportunities to do so. Participants interested in Family Outdoor Days or volunteers looking to help during the week of the tournament can find more information and apply under the event listing on the STLC website . Local businesses in Waddington are also encouraged to participate by offering special promotions during tournament week.

“ We are thrilled to welcome back the Bassmaster Elite Series to Waddington after a successful event in 2021 ,” added Puleo. “ This event not only brings economic benefits but also reinforces Waddington’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts .”

The tournament is hosted by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Waddington. For more information on how to get involved or attend, go to the STLC website or contact Kathryn Puleo directly at 315-386-4000 ext 4 or Kathryn@SLCchamber.org .

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