San Jacinto, CA – On Saturday, September 28th, 2024, the communities of San Jacinto and Hemet gathered for an extraordinary Free Kids Fishing Tournament at the Golden Era Golf Course. Families enjoyed a day of fun, fishing, and making memories — all at no cost.

The event, which saw more than 800 participants, including 276 registered kids and their families, was a collaborative effort fueled by generous donations and the support of community partners. More than 176 fish were caught, with the winning fish weighing an impressive 5.1 lbs! From the moment the golf course parking lot filled by 6 a.m., it was clear this would be a busy, fun-filled day.

“It was truly a day for the kids,” said San Jacinto Councilwoman Crystal Ruiz, who attended for the first time with her four children. She marveled at the scale of the event, staying until the end to help with the cleanup. One of her daughters even won a prize for the biggest fish in her age group.

A Community-Driven Event

The tournament was organized by a dedicated committee, headed by Bass Master Albert Kissinger as president and Veronica Hawkes the CEO of the Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce along with some strong committee members. Contributions came from businesses, local officials, and volunteers, all working together to make the event unforgettable.

Kids enjoyed bags filled with goodies, including weigh-in slips, a tournament t-shirt, free skating passes, Raising Canes kids’ meals, and tickets to “Boo at the Bowl.” They also enjoyed a free pancake breakfast courtesy of the Hemet Rotary Club and a hot dog and hamburger lunch from the Hemet Kiwanis and Exchange Club.  Donations poured in by the hundreds — from hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, and chips to muffins, cookies, and even watermelons direct from C&R Farms.

San Jacinto Mayor Phil Ayala, who brought military explorers from the San Jacinto Valley Academy to assist with the event, and Mayor Pro Tem Valerie Vandever, who served as the MC, were integral to the day’s success. Hemet Mayor Joe Males helped with live streaming the event and fondly recalled organizing the first tournament years ago.

Hemet Police Explorers, along with Hemet PD officers, assisted with parking, while Hemet PD’s 1954 vintage police car was on display. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife trailer provided fishing poles, bait, and tackle, ensuring all kids had the opportunity to fish.

Fun, Games, and Prizes Galore!

After the fishing, families gathered for a BBQ lunch and a thrilling watermelon-eating contest, with phones raised high to capture the fun. The event’s new addition, a game area organized by the Greater San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, featured over 100 kids playing various games for small prizes.

To keep it above board, Captain James Burton of the San Jacinto Sheriff station made the adjudication of the winners. The top 10 winners in each age group received trophies and gift cards, with the grand prize winner taking home a trophy and four Disneyland tickets, generously donated by Steve Dimemmo. The event concluded with sponsor plaques presented by San Jacinto Mayor Ayala and Mayor Pro Tem Vandever, ensuring every contributor was recognized for their role in making the day a success.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

This event was made possible by a host of sponsors, including Gold Sponsors: Soboba Foundation, SCOC Services, The Greater San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, Arnold Rentals, Steve & Kirsti DiMemmo, Rotary Club of Hemet, and Golden Era Productions. Thanks to the contributions of Silver and Bronze Sponsors, as well as prize donors, kids left with smiles and memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking Forward to Future Events!

As the tournament wrapped up, the enthusiasm of attendees was palpable. “Everyone here was awesome!” said a father who had recently moved from Utah with his family. The overwhelming sense of community has paved the way for future events, and we look forward to bringing even more families together for fun and outdoor adventures.

For more information or to get involved in future events, please contact the Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce at www.gsjvchamber.com 951-590-0771.

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