Cathy Tovey could use a helping hand—several, in fact.
The director of volunteers for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is issuing a community-wide request for anyone who wants to pitch in and help in any one of a number of different areas to help make sure the July 21-26 event goes off without a hitch.
The most essential spaces needing to be filled are people to do boat checks at Sand Bay between 2-5 p.m. during the competition portion of the tournament next Thursday through Saturday.
“These people will be responsible for doing the first check of (competitors’) boats returning from the lake,” explained Tovey, who figures she needs at least 10 more people to handle the job.
“They’ll inspect the boats to make sure they have live fish, and mark down their official arrival time,” she added.
At least another eight spotter boats are also needed to monitor the competition and make sure safety regulations are being followed and any information necessary is communicated to the participating boats in the tournament.
“You don’t have to sign up for spotter duty all three days,” emphasized Tovey. “If you can only make it for one, that’s just fine.”
A bevy of good-hearted souls are also required to help with the massive set-up job that begins Saturday at 9 a.m. and runs all day at the Sorting Gap Marina.
“We need people with all sorts of skills,” said Tovey. “Any skill is helpful, and no skills are required. If you want to help, we can find something for you to do, from unloading trailers to setting up fencing to just being a gofer.”
McDonald’s will supply the set-up crew with lunch Saturday, and Robin’s Donuts will provide snacks, as well.
With the set-up comes the inevitable teardown of the site on July 27 after the tournament festivities are officially wrapped up.
“That’s the hardest job to get people out for because the party’s over,” said Tovey. “We really appreciate anyone who can show up that day.”
Ticket sellers are also needed on-site during tournament week to hawk “Reel Raffle” and “Bobber’s Penny Auction” tickets, as well as “Bass Bucks,” which can be used for any purchase at the event venues.
Tovey added any high school student still needing to fill their quota of community service can use any time spent volunteering at the tournament towards their required hours in that area.
Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact April at 274-0316 so that the appropriate number of gift packs for volunteers can be put together.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
