St. Lawrence County FISHCAP is donating $10,000 to the Village of Waddington for use in promoting the Bassmaster Elite Series St. Lawrence River Showdown in Waddington this August.

In a unanimous vote this week in favor of the donation, the FISHCAP Advisory Board also expressed the hope that the gift could spawn matching corporate or private donations.

"Recreational and competitive fishing can be St. Lawrence County's greatest economic driver,” said St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and FISHCAP Co-Chair Pat McKeown. “If we're successful with the Bassmaster Elite Series in August, new businesses will start and flourish; established businesses will expand and try new ideas. Success depends on all of us.”

“The FISHCAP Advisory Board feels strongly that the event is well worth an investment of time and treasure so that St. Lawrence County becomes known as the fishing capital of the world," McKeown said.

The Village of Waddington is official host of the premier bass angling event, and Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada thanked FISHCAP on behalf of the village. “This is coming together as a fantastic showcase for our wonderful St. Lawrence River and area,” she said, noting the FISHCAP board’s “forward thinking.”

FISHCAP joins other local donors including the Quality Inn of Massena, the Waddington Chamber of Commerce, Commercial Press, Inc ., and North Country Savings Bank “in acknowledging the positive economic ramifications this event will have on St. Lawrence County,” said Deanna Shampine, event coordinator. They know that tourism is a valid industry worthy of investment. FISHCAP’s support will go far in making our event a success, and the St. Lawrence River Showdown Planning Committee thanks the board for this generous gift.”

The Bassmaster Elite Series St. Lawrence River Showdown happens at the Waddington riverfront Aug. 8 – 11. It will bring 100 of the world’s top bass anglers to St. Lawrence County – along with thousands of fishing fans and national media. The St. Lawrence River match-up is one of eight contests in this year’s Bassmaster Elite Series, and the only one slated for the Northeastern United States.

Running concurrently with the fishing event is a “Tastes and Talents of the North Country” festival.

Admission to everything happening during the four days – from weigh-in ceremonies to special entertainment – is free.

For more information on donation or sponsorship opportunities, contact Fundraising Committee Chair Bill Hosmer at 323-6037.

For general information on the event or to volunteer, email StLawrenceRiverShowdown@gmail.com or call Deanna Shampine at 315-323-7431.