The Peach Classic Fishing Tournament is a staple of Chilton County’s Annual Peach Festival, but the tournament’s impact goes well beyond peach season.

The tournament is one of the most significant fundraisers for the Rotary Club of Chilton County, a civic organization that sponsors many organizations and events in the county.

Registration has begun for the tournament, which will be held from safe light to 3 p.m. on June 23. Launch and weigh-in will be at the John Trobaugh Pavilion at Higgins Ferry Park.

The first-place prize has been increased 50 percent this year, to a guaranteed $1,500. Second place earns $750, $500 for third place and $250 for fourth place.

The entry fee is $100 per boat, which includes a $10 big fish entry.

Registration forms are available at The Clanton Advertiser, or call tournament organizer Carl Mims at 646-2641.

Last year, about 40 boats competed in the event, and about $2,000 was raised for Rotary’s various charities.

“This money is given back to the local community to help the ones that are in need of assistance,” Mims said.

The Rotary Club of Chilton County’s annual projects include the Clanton Christmas Parade, giving a dictionary to every third grade student in the county, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, where the club selects two local students to receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in a leadership camp at Lake Martin.