The Baxter Health Foundation Bass Classic returns for its second year this week, blending competitive fishing, entertainment, and fundraising to support local health care initiatives.
The event kicks off Thursday evening with a banquet and silent auction at the Baxter Health Wellness Education Center in Mountain Home, followed by a fishing tournament Saturday on Lake Norfork. Proceeds will fund medical equipment, facility upgrades, and community support programs, as well as the foundation’s three local support houses.
The Bass Classic Banquet runs Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2545 Highway 5 North. Tickets, priced at $50 per person, include a fish fry prepared by John 3:16 Ministries with catfish, chicken tenders, fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. Tea and water will be served, with beer and wine also available. Country Case will provide live music, adding to the evening’s ambiance. Bidding for the Bass Classic Silent Auction, which has been ongoing, will close at 8 p.m. during the banquet.
On Saturday, anglers will gather at Lake Norfork Marina to compete in the Bass Classic fishing tournament. Registration is set at $200 per boat. The first group of competitors will take off at 7 a.m., with the weigh-in scheduled for 3 p.m. The tournament offers substantial cash prizes, including $4,000 for the first-place winner, $2,000 for second place, $1,000 for third, $500 for fourth, and $250 for fifth.
Additionally, two grand raffle prizes are up for grabs: a 2024 Arctic Cat 600 Alterra four-wheeler, valued at $7,000 and donated by Xtreme Outdoors and Dr. Tim Paden, and an 18-karat gold designer bracelet, valued at $12,754. Only 100 tickets are available for each prize. Drawings will occur during Thursday’s banquet, and winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes, though taxes must be paid before items are released. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Baxter Health Foundation office or its partnered support centers during business hours.
For more details, visit the Baxter Health Foundation’s website at www.baxterhealth.org/foundation/bass-classic.