NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC) and the Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) have come to an agreement for the future of the Orillia Perch Festival.
Starting in 2024, the perch festival will be owned and managed by the CSFL, operating Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28 for the first year under the new management with plans on expanding the length of the event in upcoming years.
“The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce has taken the event as far as it can and the CSFL is a world-class organization that has what it takes to keep the tournament alive in Orillia for years to come," said Allan Lafontaine, executive director of the ODCC.
"One of the challenges we have operating the perch festival is declining volunteerism and staff time needed to complete the once-a-year event. We need the extra time for member advocacy as well as focusing on our Port of Orillia operations,” said Lafontaine.
“With the Orillia Perch Festival approaching its 42nd annual year, it is important to us to embrace this heritage event and maintain it for future generations. We look forward to continuing relationships with the local businesses in support of this event in maintaining its community base legacy,” states Andrew Pallotta, owner of the CSFL.
“We respect the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and all their hard work they have put forth over the years into creating the annual Orillia Perch Festival. As challenges continue to present themselves to similar events in various communities, we admire the initiative the Orillia chamber is making by reaching out to partner with the CSFL with the intent to continue to grow the perch festival in a positive direction,” Andrew adds.
The Competitive Sport Fishing League currently runs over 30 annual events from April through October including the Bassmania Circuit, Pro Bass Cup Series, MLF Canada and other special events. With its connection to fishing it makes sense that the CSFL add this great longtime event to their great roster of fishing events.
Orillia will continue to be the home of central Ontario boating fun, with the new event organizers ensuring that perching continues to be a major reason to visit Orillia & Lake Country.
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