Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada, at left, poses with Sen. Patty Ritchie and Village Trustee William Dashnaw at Whittaker Park.

WADDINGTON -- The Village of Waddington is getting $50,000 from the state to help them build a new bandstand in Whittaker Park.

The new bandstand will be used for community events, including large scale national fishing tournaments, which the village has hosted in recent years, concerts and other large events.

“Tourism, especially in the summer months, is a major economic driver in the North Country,” said state Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, who secured the funds for the village.

“In Waddington, the opportunities for fishing and other sports not only attract tourists, they also boost our local economy and help to create jobs,” said Ritchie, whose 48th District includes the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur.

“Here in Waddington we’ve been pleased to host tournaments that attract not only the world’s top anglers, but also fishing enthusiasts from across the country,” said Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada.

“When we’re bringing in world-class fisherman, we also need to have world-class facilities,” Mayor Cassada said. “ The funding secured by Senator Ritchie will help improve these tournaments, as well as the many other events—including concerts—that take will take place in our community.”

Final release of funds is subject to state approval.