River’s End tournament set for start

http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=3000a60916952ccc

Published September 21, 2008

BRAZORIA — The River’s End Volunteer Fire Department is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year — an event the group hopes will give the community a much-needed break from dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

The 12th annual River’s End Volunteer Fire Department fishing tournament is a go, said firefighter treasurer David Wineland. The event begins at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 3 and ends 2 p.m. Oct. 5.

“We really looked carefully at the tournament, whether to postpone it or not,” Wineland said. “We decided to still hold it. It’ll give people a break from the clean-up and something to do and think about besides Ike.”

The tournament is the fire department’s second and biggest fundraiser of the year. Last season, about 160 fishermen entered the event, including 21 juvenile entries. The registration fee is $35 for adults and $20 for those younger than 16 years old. Participants will receive a free T-shirt and the first 50 youth fishermen get a goody bag.

Cash prizes and a plaque will be awarded for first- through third-place in the adult division for redfish, speckled trout, flounder and croaker. First place receives $100, second place $50 and third place $25.

There also will be a $100 prize for the redfish with the most spots and heaviest stringer.

In the youth division, gift certificates and plaques will be handed out for first- through third-place — $50, $25 and $10, respectively. Plaques also will be given for redfish with the most spots, largest hardhead, largest blue crab and largest sand/gulf trout.

Fish can be caught in any public water. Weigh-in will be at the River’s End Fire Department on FM 2918 from noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 3 and 4 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5.

There also are events for non-anglers wanting to help the fire department. On Oct. 4 and 5 there will be a free moonwalk for kids. On Oct. 4, barbecue sandwiches with chips and a drink will be available for a $5 donation. The annual auction will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 4 followed by a free dance at 8 p.m. featuring Anthony Smith.

Raffle tickets will be available for a a 20-foot tapered aluminum flag pole and flag, installed locally, and a stainless steel Char-Broil propane grill. Raffle tickets are $1.

Tournament entry forms and rules are available at the fire departments Web site at www.revfd.com. Forms are also attainable at Bernard Grocery, 4127 FM 2611, on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2 Js Cafe, 5100 CR 469 or by calling (979) 236-2480 or (979) 964-4260 or (979) 964-3209.

Jim Levesque is a sports writer for The Facts. Contact him at (979) 237-0161.