A&P approves date for fishing tournament

A&P Commission talks about upcoming fishing tournament
Shown are, from left, Advertising and Promotion Commission Chairman Clara Freeland, Michael Tidwell, Irene Galbert, Time Wilson and Lori DeWoody as they prepare before Tuesday’s A&P meeting. The commission approved Sept. 8 as the date of a fishing tournament held by Arkansas Team Trail.
A&P Commission talks about upcoming fishing tournament Shown are, from left, Advertising and Promotion Commission Chairman Clara Freeland, Michael Tidwell, Irene Galbert, Time Wilson and Lori DeWoody as they prepare before Tuesday’s A&P meeting. The commission approved Sept. 8 as the date of a fishing tournament held by Arkansas Team Trail.

— By BRADLY GILL

Staff writer

During a meeting on Tuesday, the Camden Advertising and Promotion Commission approved a date for a fishing tournament to be held by Arkansas Bass Team Trail, heard a first proposal from Camden Area Chamber of Commerce Director Beth Osteen regarding the BPW Barn Sale, and also suggested a replacement for the seat left vacant by a member’s resignation.

Keith Green approached the commission on behalf of Arkansas Bass Team Trail and said that the date of Sept. 8 would work for holding the fishing tournament because it was after dove season and before the start of other major hunting seasons.

He said that he has scouted areas and that the Riverwalk landing looked like a good place in terms of a location for launching boats, as well as proximity to downtown Camden.

He also discussed branding and said a name like “Rumble on the River” was being tossed around in order to establish an identity for the tournament.

Green said tournaments are generally more successful when they can be tied in within a corresponding event in town. Commissioner Lori DeWoody mentioned the Camden’s First Friday Market event as well as Movies on the River - which would both be happening the Friday before the tournament.

Green also said that the grand prize could be lowered to $3,500 and that the entry fee - which is normally $250 - could be lowered to $200.

Although in previous meetings the idea of a dinner was bandied about, Green said that due to the heat, hot dogs would be sufficient and that his company would provide water.

The commission voted unanimously to approve $7,500 for prize money, hotel rooms for staff and for food.

Commissioner Michael Tidwell added that the money should come from the 2014 overflow rather than the 2018 operating budget.

According to the Team Trail website

“Established 2014 by Arkansas Bass Team Trail, LLC., Arkansas Team Trail offers a one-of-a-kind tournament experience for all amateur anglers.

“Every event is conducted by tournament fishermen, treating each angler as one of us, trying to give you what we have always wanted.

“Our mission is to give you, the angler, and the best of the best. With a $250 entry fee, you get the opportunity for a $10,000 first place, never have we had this in Arkansas.”

The commission also heard from Osteen, who requested $8,000 for the BPW Barn sale.

Osteen told commissioners that she understood the current budget and would work with JC Productions on advertising.

Commission Chairperson Clara Freeland informed Osteen that the commission had only budgeted $5,000 for the Barn Sale.

The proposal will go for a second reading at during the group’s meeting in June.

With the recent resignation of member Allen Dawson, the commission has recently been advertising for someone who could fill the vacant seat. Freeland told the members that they only had one application, which was Teresa Lampkin of the White House Cafe.

The board decided to extend and invitation to Lampkin for the commission’s next meeting.

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