The Baxter Health Foundation Bass Classic returns this week, featuring a Thursday banquet and a bass fishing tournament on Saturday at Norfork Lake. Proceeds will benefit the Peitz Cancer Support House, Mruk Family Center on Aging, Schliemann Center for Women’s Health, and the foundation’s annual fund for Baxter Health.
The event, now in its second year, replaces the foundation’s former formal ball and combines several fundraisers into one weekend. Last November’s inaugural event raised more than $130,000 and attracted 72 boats from Arkansas and Missouri.
The banquet is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Baxter Health Wellness Education Center, 2545 Highway 5 North in Mountain Home. Tickets are $50 per person and include a fish fry catered by John 3:16 Ministries, serving catfish, chicken tenders, fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. Beer and wine will be available, and live music will be performed by Country Case. The banquet will also host the drawing for the event’s Grand Raffle.
Raffle prizes include a 2024 Arctic Cat 600 Alterra four-wheeler, valued at $7,000 and donated by Xtreme Outdoors and Dr. Tim Paden, as well as an 18-karat yellow gold designer bracelet valued at $12,754. Just 100 tickets are being sold for each prize. Winners will be announced during the banquet and are not required to be present to claim their prizes, though they are responsible for any taxes before pickup. Tickets are available at the Baxter Health Foundation office or any of its three community health centers.
Additionally, a silent auction is open online through zeffy.com, featuring items such as a fly-fishing trip with guide Steve Dally, a weekend stay at Crooked Creek Properties, a diamond and tanzanite jewelry set, and season passes to Arkansas State University-Mountain Home’s performing arts series. Bidding will close at 8 p.m. Thursday during the banquet.
The bass fishing tournament launches Saturday morning from Lake Norfork Marina in Henderson. The first flight of boats will take off at 7 a.m., and weigh-ins will begin at 3 p.m. The tournament costs $200 per boat to enter, with the top five finishers splitting $7,750 in prize money. First place receives $4,000, second place $2,000, third place $1,000, fourth place $500, and fifth place $250.
Last year’s event saw Corey Cook of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and Roger Cook of Lebanon, Missouri, take the first-place title with a five-fish bag weighing 13.52 pounds. The big bass award for the largest single fish went to Tony Moser and Randy Zeigler for a 5.70-pound catch.
Boat registration, banquet tickets, and sponsorship opportunities remain available at baxterhealth.org/bassclassic.