12,000-15,000 expected for fishing tournament, BBQ cookoff

ATHENS, Ala. - The first major fishing tournament at the state's new "Go Fish" facilities on Lake Lanier is Saturday... with up to 15,000 people expected and registration and other pre-tounament activities planned Friday.

The tournament will will also be the American Bass Anglers first stop on its 2010 tour and for the 2010 BBQ Tour - a companion event to the fishing tournament - sponsored by Early Times Kentucky Whiskey.

The BBQ Tour will be held in conjunction with Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series tournaments at five locations in the southeast this year.

"We are so excited to kick off the ABA series at Lake Lanier. Our facilities at Laurel Park not only provide a brand new mega ramp for launching the fishing tournament but also enough space to host the cook-off, a battle of the bands and so much more. This partnership with ABA is helping create a huge family friendly event for the lake," concluded Jennifer Miller, Sales Manager, Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau.

While the anglers are out on the lake fishing, local top barbeque cookers from all over the region will be battling to become the Grand Champion of the event. Professional cookers can win as much as $3,000 in cash, while the top backyard griller can win as much as $1,000. The event is free to the general public. The event will provide a lot for attendees to do including great food, vendor booths of the latest in outdoor products, a Battle of the Bands, Y'all Magazine Sweet Tea Challenge, an American Legion Riders Tour. Attendees can witness the bass tournament weigh-in, too.

"These events will give visitors much more to do than just watch a weigh-in", said Debra Talley, National Marketing Director of American Bass Anglers. "ABA is going to spice things up from the normal tournament weigh-in at these events. Everyone loves tasting great barbeque; now, throw in a mix of companies showing off the latest in great outdoor products, have a bass tournament weigh- in, and it all makes for a fun day," continued Talley. "The community in turn gets a lot more than just a bass tournament-- they get a community event. And, if at the same time, these visitors learn more about bass fishing, it will help grow our sport," concluded Talley.