HARLINGEN — Valley Haven’s annual kayak fishing tournament fundraiser on South Padre Island is being expanded to power boat divisions this year.
The Valley Haven Inc. Emergency Children’s Shelter 3rd Annual Boat and Kayak Fishing Tournament kicks off with registration on Friday, Sept. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Louie’s Backyard at 2305 Laguna Blvd.
The actual tournament, says Kristen Millon, the Harlingen home’s executive director, will be Saturday, Sept. 23, and begins at 6:30 a.m. with check-in at Jim’s Pier from 1 to 3 p.m.
The first two fishing tournaments for the children’s home were kayak-only.
“We went ahead with boat and kayak, but they will compete within divisions,” Millon said. “They’re completely separate, and anybody in a kayak will only compete against people in kayaks.
“Really, the only rule that we have for kayaks, is no motorized kayaks,” she added. “Pedals are OK.”
Valley Haven is the only emergency children’s shelter in the Rio Grande Valley. The 36-bed facility in Harlingen serves children up to age 17 who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
“Depending on how many kayaks we have registered, we do pay out cash money,” Millon said.
This year, the event will provide $11,000 in cash prizes, custom plaques and raffle items, a flyer for the tournament says.
IF YOU GO
WHAT — Valley Haven Inc. Emergency Children’s Shelter 3rd Annual Boat and Kayak Fishing Tournament
WHERE — South Padre Island
WHEN — Registration Sept. 22, tournament Sept. 23
TIMES — Registration at Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd., from 7-9 p.m. Friday Sept. 22; tournament from 6:30 a.m. to check-in at Jim’s Pier from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 23
AWARDS BANQUET — Saturday, Sept. 23, at Louie’s Backyard beginning at 6:30 p.m.
WHO — Power boat division and kayak division (non-motorized yaks; pedals OK)
ENTRY FEE — $100 adult angler, $45 for child angler; $45 for banquet only
