Pisceles and his attendants

As the last boat was –“undecorated”, the last twinkling light clicked off and taken down, and the last festive decorations were removed, the 16th official, 15th annual Port O’Connor Invitational fishing tournament closed another chapter in its journey through life. Looking at Kingfisher Beach and tournament headquarters, one would never know that anything really happened at all.

But wait! We all know what a celebration it was! We have beautiful memories, stories, and of course photos of the three fun-filled and exciting days in P.O.C. The tournament committee wishes to thank everyone who came out to watch the parade. Also, everyone who contributed in any way. Thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard for the color guard and their life saving boat. Also, to the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department for bringing your BIG RED TRUCK! What a beauty she is! A Special Thank you to Sheriff BB Browning, Chief Deputy Mark Daigle and all the Calhoun County Deputies for the parade escort. Your participation is ALWAYS appreciated. Leroy, Joanne, and the entire POCIFT committee want to express their sincere gratitude to the anglers who fished the tournament.

Although POCIFT may be somewhat unorthodox , your participation helped make the tournament a great success. Proceeds go to a very worthy cause.

POCIFT has become a welcome and lasting tradition here in POC. The entire county has begun to look forward to this outrageous, colorful, and extraordinary event. From the moment Leroy Taylor and his team start setting up on the Wednesday before the tournament, excitement starts to build. One hears questions like “Who’s Fishing this year? “What is the theme?” “Where is Pisecles?” “How will HE appear this year?”

This year’s tournament and parade were somewhat smaller, but size didn’t slow the revelers down. They fished, ate, drank, visited, laughed at each other and themselves. The creative, fun-loving group made their way through the streets of POC in stellar form. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to catch Mardi Gras beads, stuffed plush toys, candy and trinkets. Everyone, young and old alike, loves this fun filled festival.

As the last angler, guest and POCIFT team member left Port O’Connor with poignant farewells, driving slowly out Hwy. 185, (back to the real world) their minds were busy thinking and making plans for next year. So my friends, be watchful. Keep Believing , it will happen. POCIFT and all that it stands for proves once again “LIFE IS MEANT TO BE ENJOYED, NOT ENDURED. “ We are so blessed to have all of this right here in Port O’Connor, Texas, USA!

At Press time the winners of the tournament have been announced. The winners of the parade entries are not yet available, but will be published in the next Dolphin Talk.

Winners of the POCIFT tournament are…………
Eichelberger Hardluck Trophy = Gordon Moriss (Mi Nena)

Steve Hogan Memorial Trophy =  Jason Stryker (We Live Here)

Weighing five trout and two redfish per day, Friday and Saturday:
Largest Redfish =  8.74 lbs – Carl King (Wave Alert)
Largest Trout = 4.26 lbs – Jared Faldyn (Party of 5)

Tournament Champions = We Live Here (33.38 lbs trout and redfish)
– Jason Stryker, Clayton Streidel, Gary Crone
2nd Place = Party of 5 (26.32 lbs trout and redfish)
Don and Kim Faldyn (mom and dad), Kyle, Jared and Rachel Faldyn (kids)
3rd Place = Wave Alert (25.75 lbs trout and redfish) – fishing only one of two days)
Capt. Leroy Taylor, Rodney Cobb, Tami and Carl King
Remember the POCIFT CREED “Take nothing seriously but the day’s fishing. Be safe, Have Fun and Enjoy some wonderful food, drink and people who share the common passion for saltwater fishing!”
‘Til Next time,
Nancy Pomykal

Wed., Aug. 17, 6-8 p.m.:

Bauer Community Center- How to organize, establish and sustain a Ballet Folklorico Dance Group

Thurs., Aug. 18 & Fri., Aug. 19:
Folkorico Classes

All ages/levels; everyone invited to participate in the instructional classes at the Bauer Extension Bldg. at the Fairgrounds:

9-11 a.m. Beginning Students

1-3 p.m. Intermediate Students

3-5 p.m. Advanced Students

For registration or inquiries, call 361-652-0410 or 361-;827-3627.

Thurs., Aug. 18, 6-8 p.m.

Instructions and hands-on workshop. Learn how to make traditional hairpieces (Tocados) Bauer Exhibit Bldg., Fairgrounds

Fri., Aug. 19:

Community Reception to prelude commemoration, being held at Faye Bauer Sterling Park, downtown Port Lavaca, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.. Presentation of artists and guests. Refreshments and finger foods will be provided.

July 2: Seadrift Volunteer Fire Department responded to a one-vehicle accident at the intersection of Hwy 185 and Hwy 238.

July 4: Seadrift VFD and Port O’Connor VFD responded to a reported fire off of Hwy 185 near Seaport Lakes subdivision. Port Lavaca FD also responded.

July 14: Seadrift VFD dispatched to assist at a grass fire off of Hwy 35; cancelled en-route.

July 16: Seadrift VFD responded to Morales Road to assist EMS with a Bee Call.

July 16: Seadrift VFD and Port O’Connor VFD responded to a one-vehicle accident on Hwy 185 near Lane Road.

July 20: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 35 near Green Lake.

July 20: Seadrift VFD and Port Lavaca FD responded to a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 238 near the Old Seadrift Hwy.

July 23: Seadrift VFD responded to a grass fire off of Gates Road.

Connie Hunt, Chairman of Calhoun County Tea Party, invites all interested persons to a Tea Party rally on Saturday, September 3.

“The Tea Party has made a difference,” said Connie, “and we need to get behind electing additional representatives who will demand a cut to spending, closing tax loopholes, and a balanced budget. We also want to show support for those who stood up in Washington.”

The gathering will take place at the Heritage Center, 2104 W. Austin in Port Lavaca. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will close around 11:30 a.m., giving everyone who wishes time to attend the Flip-Flop Festival in the afternoon.

Coffee, tea, cookies, and breakfast sausage wraps will be served.

If you are concerned about the state of our nation’s government, or if you are just curious to know what the Tea Party is all about, you are encouraged to attend.