Hundreds of people flocked to Smokey Bear Park and “stayed for the fun” during the ninth annual International Falls Bass Championship Aug. 22-24.
New to the lineup this year was a kid’s fishing tournament Saturday morning at the Rod Smith Memorial Fishing Pond. The event attracted about 50 young anglers and a lot of excitement.
“I just keep catching fish,” one angler said as he carried a fish to be measured by members of the Rainy Lake Sportsfishing Club — the group that sponsored the event.
The event’s participants were broken down into three different age categories, but everyone went home a winner, organizers said. Even for the kids who didn’t reel in the catch of the day, they were awarded a trophy to take home and show off to family and friends.
In addition to the new event, the weekend returned tournament favorites including a Family Fun Zone, around 15 food and beverage vendors; an arts and crafts fair; the 5-kilometer Bass Dash; a classic car show; and nighttime entertainment featuring Damian the Hypnotist, music from Jonah and the Whales and the Teen Idol and Casting Call singing competitions.
Smokey Bear Park and the event’s main tent were packed with people young and old, who came out to enjoy the variety of events and what turned out to be a warm and dry festival, despite a strong wind storm that moved through Saturday night.
Thursday’s boat parade was again a fan favorite, drawing hundreds of kids and adults who lined up along Third Street waving and shouting at anglers who were throwing goodies to the crowd.
The singing competitions saw a good turnout and proved to once again be a fan favorite. Dylan Ossachuk of Fort Frances took home the top prize for the Teen Idol contest and Brittany Hayes, also of Fort Frances, came out on top for the Casting Call contest.
“The crowd turnout was awesome on both nights,” said Carol Pullar, organizer of the singing competitions.
While the participation was down for Teen Idol, Pullar said Casting Call reeled in one more act than last year.
Next year, as the tournament prepares to celebrate its 10th year, Pullar said the contests will be held on the same night.
Damian the Hypnotist sent a large crowd into a fit of laughter with the stunts of hypnotized community members.
The classic car show featured about 60 classic automobiles from Minnesota and Canada.
Bob Marvin of Warroad snagged the most awards including the people’s choice, the mayor’s choice and first place for his 1957 Thunderbird, 1957 Buick Road Master and 1962 Chevy Impala convertible, respectively.
Several other awards were given for favorite interior, favorite paint and best model.
Next year, organizers say they plan to incorporate motorcycles in the competition.
All in all, the atmosphere around Smokey Bear Park and events of the bass tournament was nothing short of festive community spirit. Plans for the 10th celebration are already in the works and those who love the tournament have begun the countdown until next year.
