After a nationwide vote for more than 300 towns across the USA, 20 have earned a spot as a finalist in the search for America's favorite fishing destination. Beginning today, the final round of voting is underway as polls are officially open for anglers to cast their vote at www.WFNFishingTown.com. The town that receives the highest total votes will be crowned WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town USA. Polls close May 31 and the winner will be announced in June at a ceremony in the winning community, emceed by a WFN personality.
In addition to national recognition, the top town will earn a $25,000 community donation for fishing-related cause(s), 10 WaveSpin Reels and a feature about their town, airing on WFN: World Fishing Network, North America's only 24/7 fishing channel. The second place community will earn a $5,000 donation and the third place winner will receive a $2,500 donation.
Following a call for nominations in March, and a first round of voting in April, the top 20 towns have emerged. They are comprised of the two entries with the highest vote totals from each of the seven U.S. regions plus six "wild card" entrants selected by WFN based on originality, persuasiveness, energy, the nature of the community organization or cause and the number of on-line votes received.
The Top 20 towns (in alphabetical order) in the running to be selected WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town USA are:
"We were overwhelmed with the thousands of heartwarming photos, videos and stories sent in support of more than 300 towns," said Shauna Gosevitz, Sr. Director of Marketing for WFN. "Communities with barely 1,000 residents earned a spot alongside highly populated cities, underscoring the unique spirit and camaraderie of anglers from destinations both large and small. It is now up to the voters to cast their votes to determine WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town USA."
To help spread the word and encourage voting, WFN offers a variety of social media tools and ideas to help get more votes at the website, www.WFNFishingTown.com.
The promotion is being supported by Eagle Claw, proud manufacturers of fishing gear and tackle in the USA since 1925 and WaveSpin Reels, the only reel with a tangle-free guarantee. Charter Communications is supporting the contest through multiple marketing tactics. In addition, Knology will promote WFN's Ultimate Fishing Town USA in various markets and AT&T u-verse will be supporting the contest by broadcasting promo spots on their barker channel.
WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, regional bureaus from across the nation, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the schedule includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including; Hookin' Up with Mariko Izumi, Reel Fishy Jobs with Mark Melnyk, Lost Lake and Getting School'd with JP DeRose. The beauty of WFN's programming is available in 100 percent stunning High Definition. WFN's multimedia platform includes a mobile portal, WFN Fishing Log (fishing app for the iPhone and iPad) and a robust fishing website, www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 30 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors including DISH Network, Charter, Comcast, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS and more. For more information, visit www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
