Rallying cry

Transforming the Sorting Gap Marina into the site of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship each July is a monumental task in terms of both manpower and money. And yet, being at the big tent along the riverfront on a beautiful summer day creates an atmosphere that makes our bass tournament so special for both the anglers and spectators alike year in and year out.
Frankly, it’s one that would be tough to recreate inside at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Unfortunately, tournament organizers may be forced to change venues next year. Although it’s clear no one “wants” to move from the Sorting Gap, it’s a case of “having” to do so given the extra expense and effort needed to set up and tear down an independent site, starting with the tent itself but also including everything from wiring for the computers to fencing, porta-potties, and round-the-clock security.
And that’s not to mention the underlying threat of bad weather putting a crimp on attendance during the weigh-ins, at “Daytime Land,” or for the nightly concerts.
Compounding the problem, of course, is when revenues are down sharply, as was the case this year. Whether that was due to the recession, Mother Nature, or some other factor, it has to be disappointing—and frustrating—to the board of directors, who once again did an excellent job lining up events and activities aimed at a wide variety of ages and interests to help ensure the bass tournament is a true community festival.
There’s no question the bass committee faces some tough decisions ahead, but hopefully it will weigh a whole host of options—such as perhaps reverting back to a Friday-Sunday tournament—before choosing to move everything to the arena next year.
The directors only can do so much, however. Ultimately, it’s the community that has to rally in support of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship if it is to remain alive and well for years to come.