CONNEAUT LAKE — The anglers’ gem that is Conneaut Lake will once again host professionals and amateurs teaming up to catch big bass to raise big cash for United Way of Western Crawford County.

Presented by Meadville-based hand tool-maker Channellock Inc. in association with Bassmasters of Crawford County, the local United Way’s Eighth Annual Bass Classic is July 27. Taking to the waters of Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake for this year’s fundraising tournament, according to organizers, are around 30 or more two-person, pro-am teams hitting the lake at 7 a.m. Paid spots for amateurs to participate with the pros are all sold out, but everyone’s invited to check out the tournament’s weigh-in and awards presentation at 1 p.m. at the Iroquois Boating and Fishing Club.

Along with chances to check out the day’s biggest catches, that open-to-the-public event includes giveaways and raffles along with running commentary from this year’s Classic emcee, Guys Mills resident and pro angler Paul Hirosky. The crowd will also have a chance to meet retired Pittsburgh Steeler Jon Kolb as the four-time Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman participates in this year’s Classic events.

Organizers said in the last seven years, the Bass Classic has generated a total of more than $100,000 to directly benefit the United Way’s 14 partner agencies throughout the area. And this year, United Way Executive Director Amy Murphy Woods said, “we have more sponsors (and participants) than we’ve ever had before.

“We’re always looking for ways to expand our donor base” in unique and effective ways, Murphy Woods said, and the Classic “is great because (it attracts) a different demographic than maybe we’d traditionally reach” through other community fundraising events.

And don’t forget, she added: “It’s also really fun.”

Eric March, president of Bassmasters of Crawford County, agrees that the Classic is all about raising funds by having fun.

“We look forward every year to this event,” Marsh stated in a recently-issued Classic news release. “This tournament is a perfect opportunity for those interested in learning the techniques of bass fishing to benefit from the experience and expertise of the pros” involved, he said, and beyond that, it’s “a way of assisting the United Way of Western Crawford County with its fundraising efforts by simply doing something we love.”

The United Way emphasizes that every dollar donated to its efforts stays within Crawford County and directly benefits its partner agencies: American Red Cross, The Arc of Crawford County, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of the French Creek Council, Center for Family Services, Coalition on Housing Needs, Community Health Transportation Services, Crawford County READ Program, Keystone Association for the Blind, Meadville Area Free Clinic, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, Salvation Army, Women’s Services and the Meadville Area YMCA.



Go fish

The 8th Annual Bass Classic — a pro-am bass fishing tournament presented by sponsor Channellock Inc. in association with Bassmasters of Crawford County to raise funds for United Way of Western Crawford County — is July 27 at Conneaut Lake with numerous teams participating.

Paid spots for amateurs to team up with professional anglers are all sold out for this year’s tournament, according to organizers, but everyone’s invited to check out the Classic’s weigh-in, awards presentation and other events starting at 1 p.m. at the Iroquois Boating and Fishing Club in Conneaut Lake.

This year’s Classic emcee is Guys Mills resident and pro angler Paul Hirosky, who will provide commentary during the weigh-in. That event’s attendees will also have a chance to meet retired Pittsburgh Steeler Jon Kolb as the four-time Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman participates in this year’s Classic along with numerous professional anglers from around the region and country.

n For more information — and to find out how you can help a variety of local efforts to “Live United”: Call 337-1251.