The 2025 version of the Bassmasters Elite Series fishing tournament on Lake Fork in May was a success, Wood County Economic Development Commission directors learned last Wednesday.

Executive Director Christine Thomas said a good format has been developed for the two-day Lake Fork Family Fun Fest on the final two days of the tournament, Saturday and Sunday.

The sweet spot is for 40 total vendors at the Caney Point Recreation Area location.

The tournament surpassed the viewership record of fans watching online as well as the national television broadcast of Sunday’s top ten finalists.

For the second year in a row, the top ten all achieved the 100-pound threshold for the four days of fishing to earn a 100-club belt.

The beer garden was a positive addition that can be continued, Thomas said.

Participation for Sunday’s headline concert by Chris Cagle was good despite being on Mother’s Day.

Thomas announced that a big event to celebrate the runway extension at the Wood County Airport will be planned, with completion of the 1,000-foot extension projected to be in August.

WCEDC is soliciting letters of support for federal funding for the planned workforce training center at Jarvis Christian University.

Chairman Tom Keenan recommended the airport and tourism committees establish monthly meetings to help keep projects moving.

The proposals for a new website have been narrowed to the finalists with a provider recommendation planned for the next meeting, which will be in July.