SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/362723
August 2014 20 www.sportseventsmagazine.com ▼ NATURAL Venues There's one simple reason Jon Stewart, director of B.A.S.S. Nation, likes to hold Bassmaster Regional competitions at Presque Isle State Park, near Erie, Pa.— "The fishing is outstanding. In my opinion, the fishing at this site is second to none, and anglers love going there." However, he is quick to point out other assets of staging the event along the 3,200- acre forested peninsula on Lake Erie's eastern shore. "One of the great things about Presque Isle is that it offers a won- derful bay we can use if the wind gets up too much on the lake," he said. "We never have to worry about calling off the event during high winds because the bay is large and offers plenty of area to fish." Since it is a regional tournament, there are six states participating, each with a 14- person team that has been pre-qualified in an earlier competition, Stewart said. "Most participants bring spouses, and many bring the whole family, so it's a pretty big event. But there's always ample parking and accommodations." To help with these and other details, Stewart said he works with the Erie Sports Commission and Visit Erie, the area's con- vention and visitors bureau (CVB). "They are our boots on the ground," he said. "We also work with the state park per- sonnel to make them aware of what we need. For example, the park's hours are 6 a.m. to dusk, but we need to get in there at 4 a.m. for the tournament, and they help make that possible." The Hunt For Big Al In Hot Springs The five scenic lakes in and around Hot Springs, Ark., are beautiful recreational spots for residents and tourists alike, but city leaders wanted to encourage more people to get out and enjoy these important natural resources. To accomplish this, an Annual Fishing Challenge was developed, offering prizes to people who catch specially tagged fish between May 1 and July 31. Now in its third year, the event offers prizes of between $500 and $10,000. "The city puts this event on to draw out the pub- lic and boost interest in our local lakes," said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, who helps organize the annual event. "It's amazing how many people say they go out day after day and try to catch the prize fish." The largest prize, $10,000, is offered to anyone who catches "Big Al." During the first two years no one caught the big fish and by mid-July of this year "Big Al" was still at large, Arrison said. Reeling In Trout In Pigeon Forge People travel from all parts of the country to test their trout fishing skills during the annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournaments, according to event organizer Greg Ward, owner of Smoky Mountain Outfitters, based in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Held during the first weekend in April, the spring tournament draws the most par- ticipants, but the fall tournament, held the last weekend in September, is growing in popularity, he said. More than 10,000 trout are stocked in more than 20 miles of streams prior to the two-day events, and more than $10,000 is awarded in cash and prizes. Ward added that he works with area convention and visitors bureaus to promote the annual event, now in its 15 th year. ■ Reeling In The Big One While Taking In The Scenery Eugene, Ore.: Rowing Adventures At Dexter Lake NOTABLE Natural Venue In April, the Oregon Association of Rowers (OAR), the University of Oregon Crew Club and the South Eugene Rowing Club co-sponsored the 20 th annual Covered Bridge Regatta at Dexter Lake. Teams of collegiate, junior and master rowers traveled from all over Oregon, western Washington and northern California for the weekend competition. Located on the Middle Fork Willamette River, with a surface area of 1,000 acres plus a convenient location 16 miles southeast of Eugene, the lake is also home to "the fastest drag race on the liquid quarter mile." The Columbia Drag Boat Association (CDBA), the premier racing association of the Pacific Northwest, races there regularly, offering a variety of class competitions complemented by safe and fun entertainment for the entire family. In July, Dexter Lake was the site for the first annual Heroes 2 Oregon (H2O) Dragon Boat Paddle Challenge, which allowed groups of all skill levels to take a shot at racing dragon boats while raising money for local wounded veterans. This exhibition event is the first of its kind in Lane County. ■ More Info: www.eugenecascadescoast.org Natural Venue KNOW HOW: When using a park to launch a fishing event, work with park personnel to get your competitors on the water before the park opens. —Jon Stewart, B.A.S.S. Nation B.A.S.S.