The Buffalo Niagara region continues to be recognized as one of North America's premier freshwater fishing destinations as signified by the hosting of the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament "Northern Run" to be held from July 19 - 22nd in Buffalo and Hamburg. Not only will anglers be competing for over $500,000 in prize money, but the tournament stop will be featured in a one-hour ESPN2 broadcast and include a free public waterfront festival. "This is a tremendous event that will showcase our region's recreational fishing assets to a national audience," said Richard Geiger, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Boating and fishing enhance the economic livelihood of our region, especially those communities located on or near the water. The more we can promote Erie County as an amazing fishing destination, the more our local hotels, restaurants and retail outlets will benefit." The City of Buffalo and Town of Hamburg are the two sites locations for this event. The NFTA Boat Harbor in Buffalo will be the launch destination for the tournament and site of the Elite Series Sponsor Expo and the 2007 Watersport Expo. The Town of Hamburg will host "Angler Alley" - a free meet 'n greet for the public and will house the tournament participants and crew in the town's hotels. The ESPN Bassmaster Elite Series tournament will combine with the 2007 Watersport Expo to provide Buffalo with four days of fun and festivities on the waterfront. On Friday through Sunday, activity will heat up at the NFTA Boat Harbor with the Elite Series Sponsor Expo and activities associated with the 2007 Watersport Expo. In addition to product exhibitions, there will be food and beverage vendors and live music. The excitement culminates on Sunday with the 3 p.m. weigh-in of the catch of the final 12 contestants - the point at which it will be determined which angler will walk away with the top prize of $100,000. The Bassmaster Elite Series features more than 100 of the world's top professional BASS anglers competing in an 11-event series stretching from March to September. Each Elite-level competition is featured on "The Bassmasters" on ESPN2, Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET. Tournaments are usually featured the weekend following the event. The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau secured the Bassmaster tournament. New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath, County of Erie, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and the Hamburg Central School District were major contributors in helping to ensure the event came to our community.
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