CANTON – While the Chinese calendar may say that 2011 is the year of the rabbit, St. Lawrence County will continue to make it the year of the fish.

The St. Lawrence County Chamber says the 9th Annual St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament will be held Aug. 18-20, 2011.

“This event is very popular with the local youth, as well as with those visiting from outside of the region,” said Chamber Executive Pat McKeown. “Not only is it a great weekend for the whole family, it teaches the kids about river stewardship, good sportsmanship and camaraderie.”

Participants may download a registration form on the chamber website at www.NorthCountryGuide.com. The price remains at $100 until July 15 and then $125 after that. Youth can register to fish with a friend, or a team of up to four participants.

Aaid McKeown, “We will be seeking all types of sponsors from those who can sponsor one youth, or a team, to those who can assist with the expenses or items for the tournament.

“We will also be looking for volunteers to help out with the fishing aspect of the tournament,” she added. “It is fun and rewarding to help our participants aged 11 -18, with casting, netting, and recording the catches.”

In 2010, there were 92 participants, who caught 141 carp. Each carp is tagged and returned to the waters of the St. Lawrence. The chamber keeps a running record of all the tagged fish and any that are re-caught and called in are recorded for their date of catch, weight and location.

Anyone interested in more information about registration, sponsorship, or volunteering can call the St. Lawrence County Chamber at 386-4000, or email enesbitt@StLawrenceCountyChamber.org.