Q and A with reasons for city council’s ‘new direction’ decision
By Barb Pert Templeton
When the Algonac City Council directed City Manager Artie Bryson to inform the Algonac Lions Club that the Pickeral Tournament would be changing in 2027, it certainly sent a shock wave through the community.
The decision came about after a unanimous vote of the council at a July 7 meeting where they directed Bryson to inform the Lions Club of the city’s new position. Bryson did that in letter to the Algonac Lions on July 8.
As social media exploded with outrage and in defense of the Lions Club, who have hosted the Pickeral Tournament in the city for eight decades, the cries for an explanation were loud and insistent.
Then this morning, July 10, Lions Club Board Members Brett Kodet posted a 1,500 word reply to the city’s decision stating the city was “performing a hostile takeover of the Algonac Lions Club Pickerel Tournament” and asking for continued support from the community and all other interested parties. Kodet noted that he was speaking on behalf of the Lions Club Board of Directors.
Blue Water Healthy Living sent a number of questions to all seven city council members plus some specific ones to Bryson seeking an explanation for the turn of events.
Bryson responded in some detail on the afternoon of Friday, July 10.
Here are his replies:
Blue Water Healthy Living: In your own words in the letter to the Algonac Lions, you state “as the city develops a new organizational structure…” what does that mean? Hasn’t the event already included all of those entities over the years?
Algonac City Manager Artie Bryson.
Algonac City Manager Artie Bryson: The Pickerel Tournament has always benefited from tremendous community support, and the Algonac Lions Club deserves significant credit for helping make it one of the City’s longest-standing traditions. The City Council’s vision is to build on that success by creating an even larger, more robust community event. One of the goals is to expand the footprint of the Pickerel Tournament so additional attractions, activities, vendors, entertainment, and community organizations can participate. As the event grows physically, it also creates opportunities for more civic organizations, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community partners to become involved. This is about enhancing an already successful event and ensuring it continues to grow for future generations.
BWHL: How much does this decision have to do with the approximately $20,000 annual cost to the city?
Bryson: The city’s financial commitment was one factor discussed, but it was not the primary reason for the council’s decision. The Pickerel Tournament is one of Algonac’s signature events, and council believes it has the potential to become an even bigger destination for residents and visitors.The city’s goal is to create a larger, more robust event by expanding the tournament footprint, increasing community participation, and attracting additional visitors to support local businesses. Council is evaluating how the event can be organized in a way that is sustainable, financially responsible, and positioned for long-term growth.
BWHL: Is the city simply wanting to take control of the event? Won’t this diminish the Lions Club’s role?
Bryson: The council directed the city manager to evaluate alternative organizational structures for the tournament. This is not about excluding the Algonac Lions Club. The city fully expects and hopes the Lions will continue to be an important part of the Pickerel Tournament. The broader vision is to create a larger community-wide event by expanding the footprint of the festival and increasing opportunities for participation from multiple organizations. As the event grows, we believe there will be opportunities for many groups—including the Lions Club—to contribute in meaningful ways.
BWHL: Was there a particular incident during the 2026 tournament that prompted this decision?
Bryson: No single incident prompted this action. The council has discussed the future of the tournament and determined it was appropriate to evaluate how the event is organized moving forward. This decision reflects a desire to look toward the future and consider opportunities for continued improvement and broader community involvement.
BWHL: Is this a power play by the city? Is one meeting fair to a nonprofit that has managed the event for decades?
Bryson: No. This is not about authority or control. The city council has the responsibility to evaluate major community events that occur on public property and utilize significant City resources. The council made a policy decision to explore a different organizational model for future tournaments. That decision was made after discussion and with what council believes are the community’s long-term interests in mind.
“The City Council’s objective is not simply to change how the tournament is organized. It is to build upon an 80-plus-year tradition by creating a larger, more robust community festival that attracts more visitors, supports more local businesses, expands opportunities for civic organizations, and benefits the entire community”
Algonac City Manager Artie Bryson
BWHL: The Pickerel Tournament is the Lions Club’s primary fundraiser. How does the city respond to that concern?
Bryson: The city fully recognizes and appreciates the tremendous charitable work performed by the Algonac Lions Club. Their service to the community over many decades has been invaluable, and this decision should not be interpreted as a criticism of their contributions. As future tournament planning develops, the city hopes to continue working with the Lions and other organizations in ways that allow everyone to contribute to the event’s success while also supporting community service efforts.
BWHL: What are the staffing implications for the city?
Bryson: The organizational structure for the 2027 tournament has not yet been finalized. As planning progresses, council will determine the appropriate allocation of responsibilities between city staff, volunteers, contractors, and community organizations. No decisions have been made regarding staffing assignments beyond normal city operations. We hope to have serious and meaningful meeting with the Lions soon.
BWHL: What do you say to residents who feel this shows a lack of appreciation for the Algonac Lions Club?
Bryson: I would respectfully disagree with that perception. The city has tremendous respect and appreciation for everything the Algonac Lions Club has contributed to this community over the past eight decades. Their volunteerism and charitable work have positively impacted countless residents, and nothing about this decision changes that.
This is about looking toward the future. The council believes the Pickerel Tournament has the potential to become an even larger and more vibrant regional event. By expanding the footprint of the tournament and creating additional opportunities for community participation, we believe the event can continue to grow while honoring the traditions that have made it successful. The city’s goal is not to replace the Lions’ legacy, but to build upon it.
