The 2025-2026 Alpena FFA Officer Team

Hooking the Community 

Hosting a successful community event can be a daunting task for many FFA chapters. However, for the Alpena FFA Chapter in northwest Arkansas, bringing people together comes naturally.

For the past 35 years, Alpena FFA has proudly hosted the annual Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament at Cricket Creek Marina on Table Rock Lake. This year’s tournament, held on Saturday, Aug. 16, once again gave anglers a chance to end the fishing season on a high note in the heart of the Ozarks.

Throughout the evening, participants had numerous opportunities to win prizes, including a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, the coveted Big Bass Award, and recognition for the top three weigh-ins of the night. With 31 boats and dozens of skilled fishermen competing, earning one of these awards was no easy feat.

So, what keeps anglers coming back year after year? According to many, it’s not just the fishing — it’s the food and fellowship. After hours spent on the lake reeling in their best catches, participants return to shore hungry. Luckily, the members and volunteers of Alpena FFA are ready. While the tournament is underway, they grill nearly 100 hot dogs, ensuring everyone enjoys a warm meal once the weigh-ins are complete. The menu may be simple, but by the end of the night, nearly every hot dog is gone before the final results are even announced.

Alpena FFA Reporter Brylee Lewandowski shared that “meeting new people and watching them do what they love is my favorite part of the night.” Alongside the rest of the officer team, Lewandowski helps create lasting connections and friendships that extend well beyond the docks.

Fisherman leaving the dock and heading out to their favorite fishing coves on Cricket Creek.

Fueling the Future

All the money raised from tournament entry fees and the 50/50 drawing goes directly into the chapter’s fund for its annual trip to the National FFA Convention & Expo. This opportunity allows members to explore agriculture-focused careers, gain leadership experience and connect with fellow FFA members from across the nation.

The Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament is more than just a fishing competition — it’s a testament to community support, student leadership and 35 years of tradition.