PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management, Town of Narragansett, and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association announce that the Second Annual Galilee Fishing for Hope Tournament and Seafood Festival will be held on September 7-8 in the Port of Galilee.
Presented by Flood Auto Group, the goal of the tournament and festival is to celebrate and promote Rhode Island's recreational and commercial fishing industries, locally-harvested seafood, and the Port of Galilee. Proceeds will be donated to the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation, Narragansett Parks and Recreation Financial Aid Program, and the Point Judith Fishermen's Scholarship Fund.
"DEM is pleased to partner with the Town of Narragansett and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association to bring this fun-filled, family-oriented event to the Port of Galilee," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "The Port is a significant economic asset to the state as a major hub for recreational and commercial fishing and a popular tourist destination. The fishing tournament and seafood festival will highlight many of the businesses that contribute to the unique and historic character of Galilee."
The festival will feature local seafood and food vendors, arts and craft vendors, music, and education exhibits. Festival goers will have an opportunity to tour a fishing trawler, a historic scallop boat, a fish processing plant, and a fish net manufacturing company as part of a self-guided tour around the Port. Other activities include a fish and critters touch tank, kids fishing off the pier of Galilee, a rock climbing wall, and a fishing survival suit contest. Entertainment, sponsored by Tarbox Toyota, includes American Idol contestant Jesse Liam, Groove Axiom, Mary Pierce, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, among others. For the complete list and times, please visit www.galileetourney.com. Festival admission is free.
The fishing tournament begins on Friday, September 6 at 5:00 p.m. Participants will be able to weigh in their catch on Saturday, September 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The leader board will be present at the weigh-in station. The weigh-in station is accessible by boat and by car. Winners will be determined by fish category and weight, and awards will be presented at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Prizes include gift certificates for fishing charters and fishing equipment donated by local businesses. Juniors will receive trophies as well.
Tournament entry fees are $15 for adults and $5 for juniors (14 and under). Tournament entry is available on the Galilee Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival website and at many local bait and tackle shops. Detailed entry information, official rules, and the list of prizes may by found on the website at www.galileetourney.com.
More information about the tournament and festival, please visit www.galileetourney.com or call Narragansett Parks and Recreation at (401)782-0658.