Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter
You know that spring has arrived when the sporting goods stores start restocking fishing equipment. Golden Era Productions hosted a fishing tournament for kids (now to become an annual event) on April 15th. There were nearly 130 kids in the tournament who angled in 145 fish of various sizes and ethnicity. Parents and guests applauded as the youngsters reeled them in.
Muriel DuFresne, Public Relations Director at Golden Era Productions, said, “There was an outpouring of community support to make this event come to be, which is reflective of this wonderful San Jacinto Valley community, and once again affirms the small town friendly atmosphere which historically has been so much a part of this valley.”
The Rotary Club prepared pancakes ala “everybody come,” Hemet Kiwanis Club BBQ’d hamburgers and hot dogs at lunch, Cal Fire Station 25 was on duty with a fire truck, AMR was there just in case and the Hemet Police Department brought over their vintage car. The Police Explorers and Grandfathers for Golf pitched in to make a happier day for the kids even more joyful.
Comments came from a mother, “We loved this event. Thank you so much. This is our second time here. We came in 2019 and that is what got my son hooked on fishing.”
A father commented, “I love this venue. Another, on his way out with his family, said, “My boys had a wonderful time today. They both caught fish. Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved in making this tournament come to life. We really had a blast.” Another said, “We sure hope that you are having this again next year.”
The largest fish was caught by Carron Phipps in the senior division. His catch weighed in at 5.2 pounds. James Irwin was the winner from the junior division and his fish weighed in at 3.6 pounds. Each received a trophy and gift certificate.
In the Senior Division, the 10 runner-ups were: Kathryn Irwin with a 4.13lb fish; Mikel Pleasant a 4.0lb beauty; Neil Levine, a 3.14 pounder; Ted Levine, a 3.10 pounder; Aubrey Morgan, a 3.1lb fish; Kacay Keeline a 3.1lb fish; Keegan Libeau a 3.09 pounder; Eliana Martinez with a 2.9 pounder and Haley Irwin with a 2.9 pounder. They each were awarded a medallion and a gift certificate.
Not to be forgotten were those in the Junior Division: Mason Wofford, 3.5 pounder; Daizy Molina with a 3.14 pounder; Analia Barrett, a 3.2 pounder; William Rathbone with a 3.09lb fish; Nevaeh Edwards, a 3.03lb fish; Averse Nace, a 2.8 pounder; Adam Lawry a 2.42lb fish; Aria Swope a 2.4 pounder; Amarize Partida with a 2.15lb fish and Charlie Brown (for real?) a 2.1 pounder.
The following sponsors are acknowledged and thanked for their participation in making this event a tremendous success.
Gold: American Legion post 53; Golden Era Productions, Soboba Foundation, Steve Dimemmo and Dr. Kristi Dimemmo.
Silver: Agri-Empire, Cloverland Foundation, Dr. Abid Hussain, HCN bank, Hemet Jeep Club, Hemet Police Officers Association, Larry Soares Appliance and Sysco Foods.
Bronze: Andy & Cindy Dominigoni, Backs Automotive, Brubaker Culton Realty, Cops for Kids and Communities, Inland Foundation Engineers, McDaniel & Associates, Meade Realtor, Miller-Jones Mortuary, Sylvan Learning Center and Toliver Tax Service.
One can only imagine how many parents and others at the event were wishing, “Oh, how I wish I were a kid again today.” And who wouldn’t? Anyone should be happy with the sizes of those fish caught. Just sayin
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