By CRAIG FREILICH AND MATT LINDSEY

WADDINGTON -- The Evan Williams Bourbon Bassmaster Elite series and Waddington Party in the Park continues on the St. Lawrence River through Aug. 2 with over 100 top bass anglers competing for the top prize of $100,000.

Competitors depart from the Whittaker Park boat launch off state Route 37. With no restrictions on the boats the competitors will use to get to a spot they like. Each angler decides what electronic gear, boats, lures and other tackle they will use, often based on sponsorships.

The tournament is an elimination contest, and only 12 competitors will make the cut for the final day on Sunday. Those anglers will be named after the Saturday weigh-in.

When the Elite series brought competitors to the St. Lawrence River for one of the tournament’s events in 2013, organizers said it was the best-attended ever. The more than 34,000 fans participating over the four-day tournament broke the Elite Series attendance record, BASS officials said.

Contestants launch their boats through Sunday at 6:15 a.m., and daily weigh-ins are set for 3:15 p.m. at Whittaker Park.

The Party in the Park, which coincides with the fishing tournament, features concerts including country music star Keith Anderson, rides for kids and adults, boating tours and over 80 vendors

The Bassmaster Elite series returns as top anglers from around the world will hit the waters of the St. Lawrence River to compete for $100,000 in cash and bragging rights. There will be concerts featuring country music stars, rock tribute bands and 10 local bands playing country, rock and alternative music.

New rides and bounce houses will debut at the event as well. Vendors will sell their wares including fishing gear, food, alcohol, arts, crafts, jewelry and more.

“Saturday night is more geared toward rock music with ZZ Top and Pat Benetar tribute bands.

Eliminator KC will pay homage to ZZ Top at 7 p.m. with Little Paradise headlining their tribute to Pat Benetar at 9 p.m.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. All veterans and their immediate families receive free admission to the concerts.

All other concerts are free of charge.

Free concerts Aug. 1 include Amy Rivera at Aug. 1 at 11:30 a.m., Hipshot at 1 p.m., and Atomic Precipitation at 5 p.m. The Double Barrel Blues Band will hit the stage at 11:30 a.m. and TOMB will entertain at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2.

There will be bounce houses, “Drop Zone Stunt Jump” and a reverse bungee jump ride.

A fishing aquarium sponsored by Walmart will return showcasing fish of the St. Lawrence River. There will be demonstrations from fishermen each day.

The Elite Series Expo will be Saturday and Sunday with activities, games and prizes from B.A.S.S. sponsors. Companies including Mercury, Nitro, Skeeter, Triton and Yamaha will have booths. Bassmasters will also host boat rides on several boats.

Vendors will sell a variety of food, drinks, including several specialty shops featuring maple products, teas, coffee, and wine as well as miscellaneous items.

Many crafters and artisans will also have wares for sale, including jewelry, clothes, accessories, art, sporting equipment and more.

For more information, visit http://www.waddingtonpartyinthepark.com/