Nackawic and Fredericton to host the 5th Annual Pan American Black Bass Championships from Sept. 25 to 29
Champion bass anglers worldwide are heading to Nackawic-Millville and Fredericton to cast their lines into the St. John River from Sept. 25 to 29.
Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox expects the rural community’s waterfront to be a hive of activity over the four days as it hosts the Pan-American Black Bass Championship and the concurrent Challenge Cup.
The Canadian International Sportfishing Association, in partnership with the Province of New Brunswick, Fredericton Capital Tourism and Destination Nackawic, announced the event last spring.
During his mayor’s report at the Sept. 3 council meeting, Fox said organizers expect teams from up to eight nations and at least two First Nations to vie for the top prizes.
“There’s going to be a lot of things happening,” said Fox
He said the public is encouraged to head to the Nackawic waterfront to enjoy the associated activities.
“We expect a lot of people here to just watch,” Fox said.
While most of the plans are in place, Fox said organizers could still use extra volunteers to help with parking, boat launching and other duties at the waterfront and Big Axe Marina.
Officer’s Square in Fredericton will host the opening ceremony on Sept. 25, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by dinner at the Delta from 7 to 8 p.m. and live band street party from 8 to 10 p.m.
Boats will launch from the Big Axe Marina in Nackawic on Thursday, Sept. 26, for the official practice day. The barbecue at the Big Axe Marina will follow from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The first day of competition begins on Friday, Sept. 28, with the first boats launching from the Big Axe Marina at 8 a.m. The weigh-in will begin at 4 p.m., and a barbecue will follow at 6:30 p.m.
The same schedule follows on Saturday, Sept. 28, for the second day of competition.
The anglers will move to the Delta in Fredericton on Saturday evening for the awards presentation, which will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
