Billy Parker History
More than 30 years ago, radio host Billy Parker created the Billy Parker Bass Fishing Tournament, a beloved event that drew anglers from across Oklahoma. Billy was known for his booming voice on KVOO, his generosity, and his passion for bringing people together. His tournament became famous for one unforgettable tradition — 13th place won a brand‑new boat. It was quirky, exciting, and pure Billy.
Billy’s tournament wasn’t just about fishing. It was about giving back. Every year, his event raised money for muscular dystrophy, a cause close to his heart. He poured decades of time, energy, and love into the tournament.
As the years went on, Billy became a close friend of Serena, our then President of the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce. Serena was hosting a separate Chamber fishing tournament, and Billy — in his generous, heartfelt way — decided he wanted his legacy to live on through the Chamber. He gifted the tournament to the Chamber, trusting Serena and the community he loved to carry it forward.
Billy always attended the Chamber’s tournament. He announced it on KVOO. He cheered for the anglers. Serena gave him a free entry every year — but the truth is, people fished for him. Billy Parker always had the first entry, because he earned it.
Today, the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce proudly continues the tradition as the Lucky 13 Fishing Tournament, honoring Billy’s spirit of generosity, community, and celebration. Since Billy Parker gifted his beloved tournament to the Chamber, Lucky 13 has become a primary fundraiser that underwrites business workshops, marketing support for local merchants, and community development projects. These investments help increase retail activity, support job retention, and make Wagoner a more attractive place to live and visit — amplifying the tournament’s legacy far beyond the shoreline by continuing the cycle of giving that Billy started.
Every sponsor, every angler, every volunteer helps keep Billy’s legacy alive. Lucky 13 isn’t just a fishing tournament. It’s a tradition. It’s a story. It’s a piece of Wagoner history. And it’s a legacy we are proud to carry forward.