ALREADY postponed as a result of coronavirus, Weipa’s biggest event will embrace a completely new format in 2020.
There will be no show, no live music and no barramundi at this year’s Weipa Fishing Classic, president Aaron Schleich said.
“We’re going to make it as virtual as possible, so people can tune in online at local venues or in their homes,” he said.
“We’re still doing a large fishing competition with a weigh-in, but people will have to view it via a live stream instead of at the venue, like they normally would.”
Mr Schleich said he hoped the community would embrace this year’s changes, which could still be in place in 2021, depending on the progress of the virus.
“We’re working with the licensed venues in Weipa so people might be able to watch at the golf club, bowls club and the Alby, as well as their home.”
Sponsors have also thrown their support behind the event, with more than $100,000 in prizes up for grabs in the major raffle.
First prize is a boat – of course – with Cavs Marine & Outdoor putting up a 5.3-metre Quintrex 530 Renegade for the lucky winner of the raffle.
Tickets are reduced at $60 this year and junior entries are $25.
Members of the Weipa Fishing Classic committee have been set up at the grassed area near the Heritage Shopping Centre car park on Saturday mornings to sell tickets and leftover 2019 merchandise.
An order has been placed for shirts and other items to be sold this year.
