MASSENA -- After being asked for a contribution toward the Bassmaster Elite event in Waddington, village trustees said they would give money toward a specific budget item.

Janet Otto-Cassada, Waddington mayor, came before the Massena village board at their Tuesday meeting to request the funds. She has been traveling to boards around the area to request donations toward the August event.

“What I’d like to see us do rather than just go ahead and provide funds … I wouldn’t mind our board to get behind a line item you need help with and we’d support that line item,” Trustee Tim Ahlfeld said. “That way we’d be able to look everybody in the eye and tell them where their money went. That’s just my opinion.”

“I like Trustee Ahleld’s idea of a specific line item or specific budget idea,” Deputy Mayor Matt Lebire said.

“Town of Louisville is doing that, they’re actually getting us our tent … they’re also getting chairs and tables for the gun show,” Otto-Cassada said.

She is referring to the Great Northeastern Gun Show, which will take place in Waddington the same weekend as Bassmaster Elite. It is expected to draw 3,000 to 4,000 people. Saratoga had declined to host the event this year, she said.

The Waddington mayor told the board that this is the only time Bassmaster has returned to the same community twice in a row. She said it will be a chance to get the area mentioned on a national stage, exposure that probably couldn’t be bought at the local level.

“You have two one-hour shows on ESPN showcasing the St. Lawrence River. You have articles in the major bass fishing magazines,” she said.

The Town of Massena in February voted to give $2,500 toward the Bassmaster event. Otto-Cassada said they need to raise $120,000 to cover all their costs.