03/20/2026
Announcement of this year's Grand Marshals!
This year’s St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament, the 23rd Annual, is scheduled for July 30 – August 1, 2026, along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Each year, the tournament organizers, Jo Ann Roberts and daughter, Abby McNamara, look for someone who is familiar with the tournament and carp fishing to act as Grand Marshal for the 3-day event. “For our 23rd Annual event, we’re excited to have Nick Burns and Joey Greene, both of Waddington, as this year’s Grand Marshals.”, said Jo Ann. “They’ve both fished in the event for many years, as well as continue to compete in adult tournaments.” When asked, Abby added, “We feel they will be great mentors, teaching this year’s kids through their own experiences while visiting each of the fishing sites.”
Nick joined the Jr. Carp family when he was 12 years old and fished for seven years in the tournament until he aged out. Over the years, he took home one 2nd place finish along with multiple team awards. When asked what he remembers or values the most about his time in the event, he said, “learning about carp fishing and hanging out with my friends on the riverbank.”
At 11 years of age, Joey entered the tournament and fished for eight years. He rose to the top of the leaderboard in 2014 when he was named Grand Champion at just 13 years old. During his time in the tournament, he racked up multiple wins; (3) Big Fish awards, (2) 3rd place finishes, and multiple team awards. “Learning the art of carp fishing, its techniques and style - not to mention patience – is what I appreciate the most. That, and spending time with family and friends.”, he said.
While speaking about their time in the Jr. Carp tournament, it was very clear that both Nick and Joey attribute their knowledge and love of the sport to their mentors; Shawn Rafter and Jen Terriah, saying “we wouldn’t have had the success we did without them”. Jo Ann and Abby totally agreed, adding “it takes a village, and we certainly don’t do this alone. Without Shawn Rafter, Bob Giordano, the guidance and support of the Carp Anglers Group, our numerous sponsors, marshals, ARES Ham Radio Operators, volunteers and donors, we couldn’t do this for the kids each year”.
It’s also worth noting that Nick and Joey's love of competition and carp fishing didn’t end with Jr. Carp. In 2023, Nick and Matt Greene, Joey’s brother, won the Seaway Six Pack Throwdown, an adult tournament hosted by Bob Giordano each year. And while Joey wasn’t able to fish the event due to his work schedule, he was an important part of their team as the ‘runner’.
The St. Lawrence International Junior Carp tournament was started in 2003 by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and is now hosted by the Carp Anglers Group; a national organization with many of their members volunteering during the event. Jo Ann began organizing the event in 2007 when she began working at the Chamber, and Abby was by her side from the beginning at just 6 years old. When asked, Abby said, “it’s our favorite event, and we love watching the kids grow up before us, as others have watched me”!
We’d like to encourage anyone who loves fishing, the outdoors and a family-friendly event to join us this year! Equipment and sponsorships are limited but available, and the experts will teach you the rest!
Those interested in volunteering, sponsoring or donating toward the event, or would like to receive a Registration packet, may do so by contacting Jo Ann at 315 244-1909, Abby at 315 244-8509, or by email to [email protected]. Those 11 – 18 years of age are eligible to participate in the main tournament, and kids 8 – 10 years of age are eligible to participate in a shortened one-day version; introduced in 2024 and sponsored each year by The Alex ‘Alexa’ Memorial Ride. Deadline for registration is Friday, July 24th.
