The Seventh Annual Texas 200 was held on June 9 – 13, 2014. The five day sailing trip began in Port Mansfield and ended at Magnolia Beach with a Shrimp Boil. There were sixty-two boats which participated of which forty-nine made it to the finish. It was a record setting year in terms of participants. The event usually averages thirty-five to forty boats.

“The sailors test themselves and gain knowledge which you can’t get any other way,” said Chuck Pierce who is on the Board of Directors. “The purpose of the Texas 200 is to build self-sufficiency and self reliance. The participants gain a degree of self confidence.”

The route changes annually; however every third year the original route from Port Mansfield to Magnolia Beach is sailed which helps to add continuity to the event. The Texas 200 is hosted in June because of weather. The wind plays a huge factor into the challenge.

Indeed, the first day of sailing there were thirty to thirty-five knot winds but the true challenge was past Army Hole and Port O’Connor when the sailors experienced a strong headwind from the east.

“It’s great to get coverage about the Texas 200 to show that our county is not only a fishing community but that there are a vast variety of activities which we have to offer,” said local sailor, Jack LaBarge. This is Jack’s fourth time to participate.

There are a variety of boats that are entered from 8’ puddle ducks to 30’ schooners. This year however a very special fleet of boats were sailed. Fourteen puddle ducks united as the ‘Texas 200 Ducks’ whose mission was to benefit the Livestrong Foundation.

Leading the pack was Chuck Pierce on the ECDuck. The project has very special meaning as Chuck is a cancer survivor along with dad, sister and wife. “The puddle duck has a line down the center,” he explained. “One side has ‘In Memory of’ and the other ‘In honor of.’ Everywhere I go, people sign the boat — to date there are over 300 names on the ECDuck.”

He was also happy to report that all fourteen puddle ducks crossed the finish line and raised over $12,000 for the Livestrong Foundation.

The Texas 200 would like to thank Shiner Bock, a continued sponsor and official beer of the Texas 200, who provided beer and Bubba’s Cajun Seafood which is located in Seadrift and provided the shrimp for the boil. Find out more at www.texas200.com, to donate to the Texas 200 Ducks visit http://laf.livestrong.org/site/TR?team_id=11351&fr_id=1760&pg=team.

Jack LaBarge - The Texas 200

Annual Barbecue Fund Raiser July 5

July is right around the corner. That means it is once again time for our annual fundraiser. We have been working hard putting this event together. As some of you know, there are some changes to it this year. The biggest change is the location. We will be having our fundraiser at the POC Community Center Pavilion instead of the fire station. This is due mostly to the larger turnout of supporters we have begun to have (thank y’all for that!!). This way there will be more room to park and more seating (in a cooler area). This fundraiser will take place July 5th from 11-2. We plan to have live music, a silent auction, and the new POCVFD T-Shirts will be for sale. There will be items in the auction such as fishing trips with some of our great local guides, locally done artwork, fishing gear, gift baskets from local stores, gift cards, and much more!

There are a few other activities we are trying to get finalized also. If you are interested in donating an item for our fundraiser, we will be more than happy to assist with that. You can message us on Facebook at POCVFD. Along with our BBQ fundraiser, there will also be a 4 mile run and a 2 mile walk taking place that morning at The Sanctuary sponsored by Firemans 4 Beer. Proceeds from that also go to the POC fire department. If you are interested in signing up for that event you can find the link through active.com, the fire department’s Facebook page, or you can register at the fire station Friday, July 4th.

We would also like to announce that we will be having our first Wild Game Supper and Raffle taking place in September. This event is sponsored by Port O’ Connor Rod &Gun. This is a great opportunity for all you hunters and gun enthusiasts to support the POCVFD. There are over 20 guns to be raffled away that night. Tickets are available from members of the POCVFD and at Port O Connor Rod & Gun. Tickets are limited so get yours before they’re gone!

We are excited about both of our upcoming fundraisers and hope to see everyone out there. Thank you to all who have shown their support to this department.

Pictured left to right: Richard Salinas, Jerry Xinil, Tim Bahm of Overhead Doors, Troy Beaudry, Chase Hummel, Assistant Fire Chief Nathan O’Neill, Fire Chief Cale Hummell.

When approached by POC Assisitant Fire Chief Nathan O’Neill, for a bid on much needed garage doors for the Station, representatives of these companies graciously donated the doors, openers, windstorm bracing and labor the Fire Station needed:

Windsor Doors of Arkansas, Liftmaster of Chicago, Garage Door Services of Houston, and H&H Overhead Door of Victoria.

The Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department and community thank these companies and individuals for their generous donation.