Jubilation is pretty much the community reaction to the news that the 73rd Annual Bass Derby & Festival will be taking place from Oct. 8-10, 2021. What many don’t realize is that there is a lot of planning that takes place between now and then, and it’s happening right now. It’s time for those who want to be a part of the action to let the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce know.
For example, food, arts & crafts and information vendors are already busy signing up for their booth space. To find out what the fees are and how to get your application in, go to the official website at www.bassfestival.com and click on the Vendor tab at the top. New this year: vendors can pay the fees using their credit card by asking the Chamber to send a PayPal invoice, or send a check to the Chamber office.
The organizers are adding a “Come Fish With Us Expo” to the regular vendor offerings, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 10. They are inviting all fishing-related businesses, including fishing guides, fishing gear, boats, insurance, marinas, bait shops, kayak and boat rental, boat tours and others to take part in this specialized show that in the past has drawn crowds of interested Delta lovers.
Those who entertain are very interested in joining the Festival, especially since the word has gotten out that the organizers are adding a second stage. There will be even more live entertainment, and a greater variety. Anyone who would like to have their band, singing group, or dance troupe considered for inclusion should get in touch with Music Coordinator Dan Sibert at 707-208-3004 as soon as possible.
The Bass Derby Parade has been a long-standing tradition. This year, the parade is being coordinated by Robin Sibert, who vowed to bring back the old-fashioned good times of past parades to the Sunday afternoon event. She is looking for marching bands, groups that want to have their members march, children’s groups (like Scouts, gymnastic troupes, karate students, sports teams), and special favorites like championship horses or other animals. Robin is also looking for entertainers to walk the sidelines handing out goodies to the children, and asking businesses if they would consider building and entering floats. If there are enough entries, she is thinking about bringing back the judging criteria to give awards for the best of the best.
Of course, the other big need is for volunteers to help with the work leading up to the Derby & Festival and to assist with all sorts of set-up and logistics support during the event. The Chamber is welcoming people with organizational or clerical talents as well as those who can lend a hand, or strong back and arms, for what is needed. To volunteer, contact Chamber Operations Director KC Nash at 707-374-2700, or email info@riovista.org.
It’s going to be a great Derby & Festival this year, one for the record books. Come be a part of it, and watch for further developments by checking the Bass Derby website, Facebook and Instagram pages and the Chamber’s website and Facebook pages for more information.
