WADDINGTON -- The Bassmaster Elite Series returns to Waddington for the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River July 15-18, the final event of the 2021 season.

This year’s event has some distinct differences, setting a hook in Main Street Waddington and inviting people to enjoy local businesses, versus the typical format in the past where food and vendors were readily available in Whittaker Park for a four day event. “The event was planned this year to help minimize crowds before things opened up, and we really wanted to be sure to give as much attention to the local businesses in the area, versus isolating activities to the park” noted Brooke Rouse, St. Lawrence County Chamber Director of Tourism, adding that “We’re excited for the new format, but want to be sure people know how the experience will be a bit different and fun in some new ways.” Details are available on www.Fishcap.net

Whittaker Park will be the site of daily launch at 7 a.m. and weigh-ins at 3 p.m. Thursday – Friday, however, no vendors or other activities will take place at the Park on Thursday and Friday. Spectators are encouraged to head out to dine at local restaurants after the weigh-in and head downtown to Main Street for live music and food trucks Thursday and Friday 5-9 p.m. Thursday night music is by Borderline and also invites classic car owners to ‘cruise in’ on Main Street, while Friday night features the Waddington Concert Series with live music by Double Axel, and invites those with classic boats or fishing boats to “cruise in” to the top of Main Street. People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the evenings on the River.

Saturday and Sunday will be the highlight of the 4-day event, with the Bassmaster EXPO from 11-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Whittaker Park. B.A.S.S sponsors’ displays and activities including Toyota, Yamaha, Power-Pole and Garmin with demo rides by Nitro/Ranger/Mercury and Skeeter/Yamaha. This year, festival vendors and food trucks will be on Main Street on Saturday instead of Whittaker Park, with a free shuttle running in a constant loop between the two venues between 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Masks are required on the shuttle for all riders. A river walk also allows visitors to enjoy the St. Lawrence River on foot, while hopping between downtown and Whittaker Park.

On Sunday, the focus is on Whittaker Park and the final top 10 in the Bassmaster Elite tournament in addition to crowing of the Bassmaster Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year at the 3 p.m. weigh-in. Limited food and vendors will be on site in addition to the Bassmaster EXPO and demos. Alcohol is not permitted in Whittaker Park during the event.

Live coverage for all four days of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River is being hosted by the Village of Waddington and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. This tournament is supported by a Market New York grant from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism awarded as part of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The tournament and all associated festivities are being planned to ensure the safety of anglers, marshals, staff and fans.