While the annual Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters fishing tournament will once again take place in Millbrook next year, it will however not be sponsored by the city.
According to Crappie Master's president Paul Alpers, the Elmore County Commission will take over as tourney sponsor next year.
"They've been in the process of getting the Elmore County Commission involved," said Alpers. We met with Barry Mask and Al Kelley. The commission said they'd help the city out for a while. They're financially assisting them."
Alpers said that the sponsorship may go back to the city at some time but for now, it's with the commission.
The tournament will however still be held in Millbrook and for the most part, Millbrook will still be as involved in the championship as it has been in the past.
An email was sent to Mayor Kelley on Nov. 21 to confirm the situation regarding the tournament and Kelley replied, "Crappie Masters is in Millbrook the third week of March, 2012."
Alpers is appreciative of the efforts that Elmore County has put into the tournament.
"I give credit to the Elmore County Commission," he said. "It (the tournament) brings a big economic impact to the area and Millbrook has the best hospitality anywhere."
Lynda Feaga of the Elmore County Commission con firmed the details of the deal.
"On Oct. 11, 2011, the Commission agreed to a $25,000 sponsorship (of) the two-day State Championship National qualifier Crappie Masters event on March 16-17, 2012," said Feaga. "The event will be held on the Alabama River and Lake Jordan. The projected economic impact of the event is estimated to be between $1.7 and $2.2 million dollars."
Feaga added that the deal comes with something more exciting as well.
"Because the county is sponsoring this event, the agreement with Crappie Masters is for them to also conduct their fall National Championship event here," she said.