Another successful event, under our belt… the first POC Boat & Fishing Expo! What started as the mention of an idea, turned into a phenomenal event! This show brought in over 80 (87 to be exact) vendors to our community, displaying what Port O’Connor has to offer. Even more important, it gave our Chamber business members an opportunity, free of charge, to showcase their business and what they offer here in POC. It also gave many vendors, of the fishing and boating world, who had heard, but never been here, the opportunity to visit and see what it is all about! The Expo brought in over 2000 attendees throughout the weekend!
A huge “Cheers” to our Captain Sponsor, Jeco’s Marine & Tackle, for helping us get this off the ground its first year! We absolutely could not have done this without you! Thank you also to First Mate Sponsors, Freedom Boats and Infinium; Steward Sponsors, First National Bank of Port Lavaca, Compadre’s Design Inc. and Ron Hoover Marine & RV of Rockport; and Lil’ Deckhand Sponsors, POC Washateria, Formosa Plastics, and The Spot Coastal Gifts.
Besides vendors, another hit to the Expo were the Guest Speakers and Culinary demonstrations. Thank you to Speakers Adam J, Freestyle Fisherman, Deb Powell, of POC Rod & Gun, Merrill Solesky of Fishing Tackle Unlimited and Owen Gaylor, local Fly Fisherman. Other Thank You’s go to our Culinary demonstrators, Captain Rob Peel of Texas Fins & Feathers (Seafood Stuffed Flounder), Pam Johnson of Texas Saltwater Magazine (Alfredo Rotel Sauteed Fillets), Kathy Pullin of Pullin Premium BarBQ (Chili Enchilada Dog w/ Poblano Pepper Jam), Debbie Ulrich (Tortilla Crusted Queso Fish), and our very own local chef, Kacie Skalak (Herbed Shrimp Pasta and Southern Shrimp & Grits). All their recipes will be posted on the POC Boat & Fishing Expo Facebook page!
Again, another great job to the Chamber Team for organizing, volunteering, working, and cleaning up. It was a FANTASTIC 3 day event. We already have sponsors and vendors reserving their spots for next year! First weekend in October… mark your calendars now!
Congratulations to Chris Hernandez as the winner of our 2023 Polaris Ranger 570 SP Premium Crew seat, with Camo package. The Chamber has been selling tickets throughout the year, and the winner was drawn at the close of the Expo. Chris bought her ticket (one of them) at the sale between Speedy Stop and the POC Hardware Store. Congratulations Chris! We hope you enjoy your new ride!
Coming up next is Trunk or Treat, on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Please, decorate your car, trunk, boat, cart, truck or whatever and join us at the north end of King Fisher Beach on Park Ave. Trick or Treating starts at 6:00 p.m., with a $100 prize winner to the best decorated. Also, at 7:00 p.m., at the Chamber tent, there will be a “Best Dressed Dog” costume contest! Start getting creative now!
Speaking of creative, start making plans to decorate your boat for Christmas! Join us for the Lighted Boat Parade on December 2, 2023. Any size boat is welcome. It’s a great display of Christmas on the water! Many participants of this event come from the Freeport to Port O’Connor Toy Run, held that same day. Over 100 boaters make their way with toys for the underprivileged kids along the Texas Coast. If you are interested in helping them raise money for toys, please consider purchasing a raffle ticket. Lots of great prizes available, and all with just a scan of a QR code. Follow their Facebook page for more information… Freeport to Port O’Connor Toy Run. Raffle will be held on November 5, 2023.
Welcome to our newest Chamber members: 10th Street Lodge, Dean & Peeler Meat Market, Victoria, A Plus Party Rentals, Victoria, and POC Upholstery. Please check them out on the Chamber business listings on our website at www.portoconnorchamber.com.
