CANTON The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has announced the first group of generous sponsors who are backing the 2012 St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament, and is encouraging other businesses and individuals to give their support, too.

“We thank the old and new friends of this tournament who have already committed to helping with this years special, 10th anniversary,” Chamber Executive Director Pat McKeown said. “Were planning an extraordinary three-day event in August, and we want to have as many local companies as possible engaged in the fun and the excitement.”

Already on board are sponsors AJ Missert Inc., the Acoustic Brothers, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, ARES Ham Radio Operators, Big Carp Tackle, Carp Anglers Group, Casella Waste, City of Ogdensburg, Coles Creek State Park, ENV North Agency, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, FISHCAP, Great Northern Printing, Kunoco IGA, Jim and Dot Locy, Madrid-Waddington Central School, Marukyu , Mikes Trophies, Mort Backus & Sons, New York Power Authority, North Country Savings Bank, Ostranders Bed & Breakfast, Potsdam Specialty Paper, SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Slic Network Solutions, Stewarts Shops, Sullivans Office Supply, Time Warner Cable, Town of Waddington, Village of Waddington, Waddington Chamber of Commerce, and Young Explosives (fireworks).

For information on sponsorship opportunities including sponsoring teams, contact the Chamber at 315-386-4000; or email Jo Ann Roberts at jroberts@stlawrencecountychamber.org.

$10,000 Prize Brought

Back for 10th Anniversary

For the first time since 2004, the Tournament will offer a $10,000 prize to the young angler whose top four fish total the highest weight of 100 pounds or more.

Assuming that those winning fish would also qualify the boy or girl for the Tournament Champion prize (for the greatest weight of up to four carp) of $1,500 and a division win for $800, the prize money won could total $12,300 or more.

This years single big fish prize has not yet been announced. Last summer the biggest carp caught and released was a 40-pound, eight-ounce behemoth.

The three-day tournament, the largest of its kind in the United States, takes place Thursday through Saturday, August 16 18, along a 30-mile stretch of the river from Ogdensburg to Massena. The event kicks off with the Mort Backus & Sons Fishing School and opening ceremonies that Thursday and concludes with an awards ceremony that Saturday night.

The tournament is open to boys and girls ages 11 to 18. Registration is $100 before July 15 ($125 after that date) and covers all activities. Registration materials can be downloaded from www.northcountryguide.com , or call the Chamber at 315-386-4000 to request a form and more information. Individuals who wish to serve as volunteer marshals should call the Chamber, too

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