Four Grand Marshals have been named for the 20th Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament to be held on Aug. 3-5. Top photo: Grand Marshals Kaylee Green, Potsdam, and Jaron Belmore, Norwood. At bottom: Abby McNamara and Austin Delosh.

 

WADDINGTON — The 20th Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament will be held on Aug. 3-5.

To commemorate this milestone, organizers are planning some special events, including inviting all Grand Champions to return, along with others who were instrumental in the event’s popularity and success throughout the years since 2003.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary of the event this year there will be four Grand Marshals to keep things moving along, two to honor past events and two to honor future tournaments.

"Honoring the future" will be Kaylee Green of Potsdam and Jaron Belmore of Norwood.

Both participated in the tournament as soon as they were eligible, and fished each year afterwards until they aged out at 18.

Green and Belmore each won numerous awards over the years, but most notably Belmore was named Grand Champion in 2019, and Kaylee took 2nd place in her division during her first (2015) and last (2022) years in the tournament, said organizers.

“My favorite part is the family atmosphere,” Green said. “Catching a big fish is the best but you don’t have to win to have a great time.”

Belmore said the event helped him get outside his comfort zone, while meeting new people and building new relationships. “(And) reeling in a carp is exhilarating,” Belmore said.

They will visit each of the fishing sites throughout the tournament to mentor and assist the kids.

"Honoring the past" will be Potsdam resident Abby McNamara, and Clarksville, NY resident Austin Delosh.

These two favorites have been regulars at the annual tournament, with Abby planning, organizing and stepping in as Weigh Master, when needed, and Austin, with participating himself for 8 years, and then marshaling and mentoring.

“We’re very proud of this milestone anniversary, but even more excited to celebrate those years by highlighting the people, experiences and memorable moments that span 20 years,” said Jo Ann Roberts, long-time organizer of the tournament.

The tournament was started in 2003 by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and is now hosted by the Carp Anglers Group; a national organization with many of their members volunteering during the event.

Anyone who loves fishing, the outdoors and a family-friendly event are encouraged to participate this year. Equipment and sponsorships are limited but available, and the experts will teach you the rest.

Organizers expect more registrants this year and are looking for volunteers, sponsors and donations for the event.

Those interested in sponsoring or donating toward the event, or to receive a registration packet, contact Jo Ann Roberts at 315-244-1909 or by email to [email protected]. Children 11-18 years of age are eligible to participate, as well as adults who would like to fish with their kids.

Deadline for registration is July 31.

In addition, all those who have participated in previous tournaments are invited and welcome. Contact tournament organizers with your contact information.

Most of the tournament’s rules and schedule will remain consistent with previous years. A rule book will be given to anglers at registration.

If you are 11-18 years of age on the first day of the tournament, you are eligible to participate.

However, you also qualify, if:

• You turn 11 years of age between Aug. 4 and Aug. 31.

• Or, if you turn 19 years of age between July 1 and Aug. 2.

The Carp Angler’s Group is host of this tournament, and many of their members will once again assist the junior anglers throughout the 3-day event.

The tentative 3-day schedule:

Thursday, Aug. 3

1:30-3 p.m. Registration – Madrid-Waddington Central School

3-4 p.m. Opening ceremonies – (mandatory for all) – Madrid-Waddington Central School

4:30-6 p.m. Carp school – (mandatory for all 1st time participants). All others are invited and encouraged to stop by to help the newbies. Bankside at location to be determined. Practice casting, while learning from some of the best carp anglers.

Friday, Aug. 4

6-7 a.m. Report to designated town location to receive specific location and Peg #.

7 a.m.-12 p.m. Fishing

12-1 p.m. Mandatory lunch break. No fishing, no casting, no baiting.

1-8 p.m. Fishing.

Saturday, Aug. 5

6-7 a.m. Report to designated town location to receive specific location and Peg #. (The town you’ll report to each morning will be given to you at registration.)

7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fishing. Waddington Homecoming is this same weekend. Therefore, tournament anglers will fish through the lunch hour on Saturday, and end the tournament at 4 p.m., so the event doesn’t interfere with the Homecoming parade at 6 p.m.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Pizza party at Madrid-Waddington Central School

6:30-8 p.m. Closing awards ceremony. Lots of special prizes.

Info: [email protected], Jo Ann Roberts, 315-244-1909; Abby McNamara, 315-244-8509; Bob Giordano, 315-323-4632.