It’s official—and not a moment too soon! The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce along with The City of Rio Vista will be hosting the 73rd Annual Rio Vista Bass Derby and Festival during the weekend of October 8, 9 and 10.
There is something for everyone and fun for the entire family, including the oldest Bass (Striper) Derby fishing event on the West Coast with thousands of dollars in prizes.
Running that whole weekend is the Bass Festival, full of fun for everyone with a Carnival and Midway, vendor booths, live musical entertainment, food and drink booths, the Food Pantry’s Rummage Sale, an old-fashioned downtown parade, the Lion’s Club Car Show and the Leo’s Club Pancake Breakfast. On Saturday, the evening ends with fireworks on the river, with the best view along the city’s River Promenade. Plans are being developed for a few new surprises too.
Over the next few months, keep checking the Festival website at bassfestival.com for developments and the complete entertainment schedules.
The fishermen’s favorite Bass Derby, running from 6 am on Friday, Oct. 8 until 3 pm Sunday, Oct. 10, again features significant prizes. This year, 1st place for Striped Bass is $3,000, 2nd place is $1,500 and 3rd place $1,000. For the Salmon and Sturgeon prizes, 1st place is $1,000, 2nd place $500 and 3rd place $200 in each category. The Chamber is also actively seeking sponsors to donate gear and other prizes to extend the winnings to more fishermen.
Entry fee for the Derby remains at $50 and includes an official Bass Derby hat (for the first 300 entries). Advance tickets can be purchased now on the official website at bassfestival.com using PayPal or a credit card, or by dropping into the Visitor Center at 33 N. 2nd Street in Rio Vista. The actual tickets, lanyards and hats will be sent to all entrants after August 1, 2021.
Get the kids out to fish in the kids’ class for those up to age 15 for only $5. The Kids’ Derby is for largest catfish and target length striper, and prizes include gift cards and fishing gear. The kids also receive a hat and lanyard to participate in the fishing.
Since there is never an entry or parking fee for this popular Bass Derby Festival, families can take full advantage of all the fun. The popular People Mover will be returning, to shuttle people up and down Main Street during the day.
More information can be found on Facebook-Rio Vista Bass Derby and Festival or bassfestival.com. Stop by the Rio Vista Visitor Center or call the Chamber 707-374-2700, for Festival merchandise, tickets and more information.