Activity was picking up Thursday in preparation for the International Falls Bass Championship’s festivities. While many bass boats were seen scouting the waters of Rainy Lake and Rainy River early Thursday, team No. 19 stayed on land.

Ted Olson and John Cann, the 2009 champions of the tournament, have a particular routine they follow every year the day before the tournament begins. One of their rituals is no fishing.

“The day before the tournament is pretty much the same year in and year out,” said Cann. “We get the boats ready, we re-spool our lines, and we get everything prepared so we don’t have to rush the day of.”

When asked why they don’t get one last cast in the day prior to the two-day fishing frenzy, Olson answered, “Cause we’re old.”

The pair has been busy getting in some pre-tournament fishing and agreed they know exactly where they will head both on the river and on the lake.

“We have the favorite spots we like to hit, but we’re always on the look for new ones,” Cann explained.

Olson and Cann are hopeful a repeat of their 2009 victory is in store for them, but stress that they like to keep fishing fun.

“We’re just blue collar fishermen,” Cann said with a laugh. “We, of course, always expect to do well...but it is something we enjoy doing. We have a lot of fun together.”

“I’m just out here for the fun,” Olson added. “This is one week out of the year I don’t have to work.”

A lucky boat may also be involved this year. Cann explained that he lent his boat to Jon Austin and Rich Rud who won the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship in July.

“We’ll see what happens,” Olson summed up.

Stay for the fun

Smokey Bear Park was the place to be Thursday afternoon as crowds gathered to consume some food from their favorite vendor and take a peak at booths of artwork lined up across the street.

Nancy Luloff of Wildlife Originals in Cook was busy preparing her booth of original art, murals and pet portraits.

“This is a fun place to be,” Luloff said of coming to the tournament.

Members of the Rainy River Area Woodworkers group drew in a small crowd as they chipped and sawed away at blocks of wood during demonstrations.

Vocalists were warming up for the signing competitions and volunteers were seen attending to last minute details.

“I think this is gonna be a good year,” one volunteer was overheard saying. “I can just feel it.”