Bass N’ BBQ to Benefit
William Newton Healthcare Foundation, Now Taking Entries
Registration is open for the first annual Bass N' BBQ bass
fishing tournament, BBQ competition, and kids' fishing derby on Saturday, May
6. Hosted by Winfield City Lake, all proceeds will benefit William Newton
Healthcare Foundation.
“The City of Winfield is proud to play host to surrounding
rural communities for this event that supports the success and impact of
healthcare services at William Newton Hospital,” says Taggart Wall, City of
Winfield manager and William Newton Healthcare Foundation board member.
Bass N’ BBQ creator and chairperson Brittney Shaffer,
William Newton Healthcare Foundation assistant, is excited to bring this new
event to the community.
“As a rural community with a large number of outdoor
enthusiasts, the idea of an event at Winfield City Lake seemed appealing to
many. We look forward to having this new event that brings fun for the whole
family.”
The Bass N’ BBQ event is taking the place of the Wine-O
Trail Run benefiting William Newton Healthcare Foundation due to Wheat State
Wine Co.’s closure at the end of 2022. Annika Morris, executive director of
foundation and community outreach, thanked the winery for 10 years of hosting
the annual trail run.
“Since the foundation began, the winery has been a huge
advocate for local healthcare and supporter of the hospital, and for that, we
are eternally grateful. Partnerships and philanthropy are key to the strength
of William Newton Hospital,” Morris emphasizes. “While looking at different
options for a health and wellness-related event, we started with our partners,
and the city is one of our strong advocates and supporters.”
The bass fishing tournament will accept up to 50 boats.
Tournament check-in and live well checks begin at 6:00 a.m. with the first cast
at 7:00 a.m. Weigh-in starts at 1:00 p.m. with awards to follow. Payouts will
be $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and a prize package for third
place. One bass fishing tournament entry for
two anglers includes two commemorative t-shirts, a one-day lake access
and boat permit, breakfast, and BBQ competition tasting tickets.
Patrick Fromm, CDM, CFPP, William Newton Hospital director
of food and nutritional services, is overseeing the new BBQ competition. “It’s
a great way for the community foodies to get out and try their BBQ skills,”
asserts Fromm. “We’re excited to see who takes home 1stplace.”
Check-in for the BBQ competition begins at 11:30 a.m. with
judging taking place at noon. Awards will be held at 12:30 p.m. with payouts of
$500 for first place and $300 for second place. One BBQ competition entry
includes two commemorative t-shirts, a one-day lake access permit, and BBQ
competition tasting tickets.
Encouraging families to enjoy the scenic views at Winfield
City Lake, the kids' fishing derby welcomes ages 12 and under. Registration
begins at 9:30 a.m. with the event starting at 10:00 a.m. Weigh-in and cash
prizes of $30 for first place, $25 for second place, and $20 for third place
will be held at 11:00 a.m. One kids’ fishing derby ticket includes a
commemorative t-shirt, a one-day lake access permit, and a free stringer.
All participants in the three events will also receive a
swag bag from event sponsors.
Bass N’ BBQ attendees may purchase
tasting tickets to try samples of the BBQ competition entries. The tasting is
open to the public for just $5. William Newton Hospital Auxiliary will offer a
selection of baked goods for sale. In addition, a food truck serving smash burgers, Indian
tacos, chili cheese fries, fried Oreos, beverages, and more will be on-site starting at 11:00 a.m. All
events will take place in zone two surrounding the lake office.
“Strong local healthcare does not happen by accident. We
encourage our area community members to join this event for fishing and BBQ—but
more than that, for the good of our rural healthcare in the Cedar Vale, Dexter,
Moline, Sedan, Udall, and Winfield communities,” remarks Wall.
For complete event information and rules, visit
bit.ly/BASSNBBQ.
