KBI

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 Kenora Bass International, event organizers say that it’s back for 2021.

Cori Libitka is one of the co-chairs of the KBI Board of Directors and tells us that things will have to be different this time around.

“It’s likely going to have to be really modified,” says Libitka, “…we’ve decided that we’re going to focus on the angler side of things and worry a little bit less about all the other stuff that we do under the tent.”

With the Northwestern Health Unit currently under the Yellow level of the Province’s COVID-19 response framework, she explains that the board isn’t comfortable encouraging people to gather in large groups.

If things start to trend in the right direction (in terms of COVID-19 cases) and restrictions on gatherings are loosened, however, the Board does say that they’ll look into adding to the 2021 KBI with events KBI Kids, dinners, bar service and entertainment. Those decisions, however, will not be made until closer to the event and after consultation with the NWHU.

As there is still so much unknown about what the next few weeks and months may look like, Libitka says they’re holding off on registration for now.

“We decided we’re going to wait until probably late May or early June to open registration. It’s kind of out of our hands. We just have to wait and see what we’ll be allowed to do and then we’ll open registration and share that information once the decisions have been made.”

Despite all of the unknown and hard work ahead of them, she adds that everyone is excited that the staple of summer will be back.

“Our Board is really pumped to be able to bring the event back. It was pretty heartbreaking to not have it last year. We know it will probably have to look really different than it normally does, but we’re going to do the best we can to make a great event for the anglers primarily, and for the economy of Kenora…try to help things move along.”

The 2021 KBI is scheduled to start on August 5th.