Bassmaster Elite Series Will Return to Lake Fork May 8-11, 2025
The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) announced today the return of the Bassmaster Elite Series to Lake Fork on May 8-11, an event that promises to bring millions of dollars in economic impact to Wood County and other neighboring counties.
In light of the announcement, WCEDC officials are welcoming interest from sponsors of the accompanying Lake Fork Family Fest, which will be held on November 10-11. Last year, the Bassmaster Elite tournament and festival attracted more than 10,000 patrons and more than one million impressions through social media.
This year’s Lake Fork Family Fest will be even more compelling, with the re-introduction of the Great Dam Race 5K Run. In addition to the Run, the festival will include high-profile musical acts, cornhole tournament, pickleball tournament, kid-friendly attractions, and much more.
“This promises to be the best Lake Fork Family Fest we have ever had,” said Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC. “We took a page from the past by bringing back the very popular Great Dam Race 5K Run. And then in response to feedback from last year’s attendees, we have added even more activities for the kids. This year, we will truly have something for everyone.”
More details will be forthcoming on the Lake Fork Family Fest, especially with regard to the musical acts. However, the WCEDC will move forward with eliciting sponsorships for the event by partnering with the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club, which will be identifying sponsors for the Great Dam Race 5K Run and the Pilot Club of Quitman, which will focus on finding sponsors and vendors for the overall Family Fest.
“We’re incredibly excited to work with the WCEDC on the Great Dam Race 5K Run,” said Larry Lorton, Vice-President of the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club. “Part of our local efforts is to help the Wood County community embrace a healthier lifestyle, and there is no better way to do that then with this race.”
Meanwhile, representatives of the Pilot Club of Quitman (PCQ), which has had an active role in the Lake Fork Family Fest, are similarly excited. “We are proud to be a part of the team supporting the WCEDC’s mission for economic growth in Wood County,” said Sharon Brooks, Treasurer of the PCQ. “We are anticipating even more support from the business community this year, thanks to the successful festival we had in 2024.”
In addition, the WCEDC will continue to do its part to heighten the value proposition of sponsoring the event, making a concerted push to market to large population bases in the Tyler-Longview, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Shreveport areas, as well as those counties adjacent to Wood County.
“We’re blessed to have such a robust event integrated with the Bassmaster Elite Series,” said Thomas. “We know that we are barely scratching the surface when it comes to raising awareness about the Lake Fork Family Fest. That’s about to change.”
For more information contact:
- Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC
- cthomas@mywoodcounty.com
- 903-768-2402 or 903-497-7366
- Pilot Club of Quitman, quitmanpilot@gmail.com
- Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club, glfkiwanisclub@yahoo.com