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Dock Talk - Winter 2007-2008
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Chairman’s Message
By Tom Fry
The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship celebrates its 14th anniversary in 2008. As a fishing tournament it is second to none. Numerous participants who have crossed the stage over the years have repeatedly made that statement. Since the first tournament anglers have raved about the pristine beauty of Rainy Lake, the healthy smallmouth fi shery, the great number of hard-working volunteers and the exceptional hospitality. The sponsors, the volunteers and the spectators create the community spirit as demonstrated by the large crowds that line the route of the parade of boats and fill the tent for the weigh-ins.
As important as the spirit and pride that the FFCBC instills in area residents is the financial benefit that it creates. The economic impact of the weeklong phenomenon has been estimated to be greater than $2,000,0000.00 annually. The FFCBC is much more than a fishing tournament; it is a Community Festival which involves citizens of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, in such activities as Daytime Land, Kid-Pro Tournament, Much Music Dance, Quest for the Best, the Parade of Boats, Battle of the Bands, Evening Dinners and Nightly Entertainment. The Tournament is made possible by its generous sponsors and is greatly enhanced by the participation of organizations such as the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, Sunset Country Metis, SADD, the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. First and foremost this is a fishing tournament and as such we must pay particular attention to the input of the competitors. The angler advisory committee is very important in this respect as it represents the participants and is consulted on any changes having to do with the competition.
As Chair, I am committed to increasing community involvement in this important event because community involvement is the key to the continued success of the tournament. We take notice of what our patrons are saying about the event. Questions regarding the event length, number of activities, the cost to take part and what is expendable must be addressed.
The answers to the above questions are not simple. The tournament must live within its budget. There are fixed costs to creating the site and operating the event. Any change that impacts revenue will have cost implications as well. The elimination of a revenue-producing activity such as a Thursday Dance/Concert would require cost cutting measures or an increase in other revenues. I am confident that the tournament will continue to exist as a Major Community Festival and the FFCBC board of Directors is exploring ways to involve more people more often with no additional cost to them.
Community Spirit and involvement is the key and I am positive that we have the collective will to continue to make this event a success for many years to come.
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