PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management, Town of Narragansett, and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association announce that the Third Annual Galilee Fishing for Hope Tournament and Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 & 7 in the Port of Galilee. The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
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 Special Olympics, Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation, and Narragansett Parks Family Assistance Program. All donated fish will go to the Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need (RI CAN).
"The Port of Galilee is one of the largest and most successful commercial fishing ports on the East Coast and a popular tourist destination," noted DEM Director Janet Coit. "DEM is pleased to partner with the Town of Narragansett and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association to sponsor this fun-filled, family-oriented event that 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 educational exhibits. Activities will include a fish and critters touch tank for kids and the opportunity to fish off the pier of Galilee. A self-guided walking tour of the Port will be available, which will allow the public to observe operations at the Town Dock, Inc. fish processing plant, climb on a Town Dock commercial fishing boat, see how Superior Trawl makes fish nets, and how The Bait Company strings bait for commercial fishermen. The DEM, Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association and fishermen from the Pt. Judith Memorial Foundation will also be part of the tour.
Musical entertainment, sponsored by Tarbox Toyota, will include Celtic folk music by Mary Peirce, the Jesse Liam Band, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School "String Ensemble." For the complete list of activities and times, visit www.galileetourney.com. Festival admission is free.
The fishing tournament begins on Friday, September 5 at 5:00 p.m. Participants will be able to weigh in their catch on Saturday, September 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 7 from 9:00 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). Information on 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 be found on the website at www.galileetourney.com.
For more information about the tournament and festival, visit www.galileetourney.com or call Narragansett Parks and Recreation at (401)782-0658.