Shreveport-Bossier plays host

The Shreveport Convention Center will host the third annual Crappie Expo Oct.1-3, and the Red River South Marina will host the Mr. Crappie® $250,000 Invitational Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

The Crappie Expo will consist of over 100 crappie-related companies from all over the United States displaying their latest and greatest crappie fishing products — including boat manufacturers, tackle dealers, fishing guides, seminar speakers, live music, plus the World’s Largest Crappie Fry!

The Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. Entry is $10 for adults; kids 15 years old and younger get in free!

A whopping $10,000 will be given away on Saturday and another $10,000 on Sunday. The winner must be 18 years old or older and present to win. There will also be live music at 1 p.m. each day. The World’s Largest Crappie Fry will be at the Shreveport Convention Center Saturday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m. The Crappie Fry is included in the cost of admission. This expo is anticipated to bring in 60,000 attendees and have an estimated direct economic impact of $2.6 million for Shreveport-Bossier City.

“We have never been more excited to welcome travelers to Shreveport-Bossier and are thrilled to have been selected to host this oneof-a-kind fishing experience,” said Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. “A resurgence in travel gives us the opportunity to show how incredible of a destination this part of Louisiana is for visitors.”

The Mr. Crappie $250,000 Invitational will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, on the Red River in Shreveport. One hundred of the top crappiefishing teams in America will be launching out of Red River South Marina in Bossier City and competing for a “big chunk” of $250,000 — the richest crappie tournament in the world.

“I’m proud to share Bossier City with visitors from across the U.S.,” said Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler. “I look forward to welcoming them in October and showing them the great things our city has to offer.”

All are welcome to attend the weigh-ins. Sept. 30, day one weigh-in will be held at the Red River South Marina parking lot starting at 3 p.m. Oct. 1-2 weigh-ins will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center at 3 p.m.

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, in partnership with the Red River Waterway Commission, city of Shreveport, city of Bossier City and the Louisiana Office of Tourism announce this upcoming event.

“We are so excited to host the best crappie fishermen in the world right here in the heart of Sportsmans Paradise,” said Sara Nelms, director of sales and events for the Shreveport- Bossier Sports Commission. “Our sister cities will be bustling in October with the Red River Revel and Film Prize; we can’t wait to have our guests experience the world class cuisine and hospitality Louisiana is known for.”

The partner with Ford Trucks, Lew’s, StrikeKing, Riceland, Hummingbird, The Boat Shop and Bayou Outdoor Super Center as title sponsors.

For a detailed event schedule, please visit crappieexpo.com.