Nighttime numbers up at bass tournament

Droves of people flocked to the big tent over three nights last week during the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship to see the bands.
This year’s numbers more than doubled last year’s night crowds, said FFCBC entertainment director Adam Armit.
“In 2007, the numbers were way down, and we really worked hard to get them back up this year,” he remarked.
Armit said he expects the difference in numbers to be upwards of 500 people or more by the time the final tallies are completed.
The difference in attention from the public largely may have been the three-night lineup, admitted Armit.
“We had different bands who people knew, and seemed excited for, while last year nobody really talked about the bands,” he said.
“You need something to get them excited about it.”
Last year’s line-up included “Moccasin Joe,” “The ‘Mudmen,” and a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
This year, Armit brought in a big-name band, “Trooper,” which drew roughly 1,500 people. “Bon Journey” and “Thinking of Pinky” also were big hits.
Another factor that may have added to higher numbers under the tent “was that only one band was playing at a time, whereas in previous years there were different stages,” Armit said.