‘Quest’ to be held during bass tourney

This year’s “Quest for the Best” will be staged during the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship after all.
“Quest” originally was slated to be held during the Chamber of Commerce’s trade show Sept. 21-22 at the arena.
“We decided that since ‘Quest’ and the trade show are our two biggest events for the year, we wanted to focus our energy on one at a time,” organizer Dawn Booth said.
The popular singing contest now is slated for July 25 at 8 p.m. under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina.
“I think it’s a good event for both of us,” said Dave Ashworth, entertainment director for the FFCBC this year.
“With the capacity we have, and the fact it’s in the middle of summer, it looks like it could be a big event. We’re looking forward to it,” he added.
While tickets, which will cost $10, won’t be available until much closer to the date of the event, Booth noted entry forms for contestants may be available by next week.
Once again, “Quest” will feature 20 entries–either solo or duet– competing for cash and prizes. Entry fee is $20 per person.
Booth added the Chamber still is looking for sponsors for the event and encouraged any business interested to contact the office here (274-5773).
She also noted interest in the talent competition already is high.
“We’ve had lots of calls about it. Back when we first started talking about it, there was lots of people who wanted to know when it was happening,” she said.
“Quest” was held during the bass tournament in 1999 and if the sold-out crowd then is any indication, Booth is confident it will be another hit.
“I think that ‘Quest’ was really great. Working together benefited both organizations,” she remarked. “I think it was an overall success, and the audience which was there would agree.”
“They did a great job a couple years ago, and I think they might be able to top it this year,” added Ashworth.
Meanwhile, preparations for the trade show also have started.
“With the trade show, we want to spend all our energy on making it better,” added Booth, noting while it usually draws a full complement of exhibitors, it’s seen declining attendance in the past few years.
“We’re looking to include more attractions–entertainment to draw people throughout the weekend,” she said.