Community Comes Together to Support Free Kids Fishing Tournament

SAN JACINTO VALLEY, Calif. — Despite soaring temperatures, members of the community turned out in strong numbers for an evening of food, music, prizes and fellowship at Golden Era Golf Course, raising support for the Free Kids Fishing Tournament.

The annual fundraiser, now in its third year, brought together sponsors, members of the Point Seekers Bass Club, tournament committee members, volunteers, community supporters, friends and families—all coming together for one common purpose: to give local children a positive, memorable outdoor experience.

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The evening featured an all-you-can-eat tri-tip dinner that proved popular enough to bring many guests back for seconds. Guests also competed in a dessert auction featuring an impressive selection of homemade treats, including a three-layer German chocolate cake, fish-themed cake pops, homemade cookies, sourdough bread and numerous other desserts.

The raffle was another major attraction, with approximately 25 prizes available. Among the offerings were a day of fishing at Lake Perris, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets, gift cards from Steer & Stein, a basket from the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and special Disney gifts that quickly became some of the evening's most popular prizes.

Adding to the atmosphere was live outdoor entertainment by The Barn Yard Boys, providing music while guests enjoyed dinner and visited with friends and fellow supporters.

More Than a Fishing Tournament

Although the fundraiser provides important support for the event, organizers say the real focus is the children.

The Free Kids Fishing Tournament will return March 20, 2027, and is open to children ages 6 through 15.

The tournament gives children an opportunity to step away from their phones and electronic devices, spend time outdoors, learn about fishing and nature, and enjoy a day with their parents, grandparents and other family members.

For many participants, the experience has become much more than simply trying to catch a fish.

"Everybody needs to get their feet in the grass and enjoy nature," one participant said.

Another summed up the day simply: "I want to do this again."

A third attendee said, "I had a great day."

One parent emphasized the importance of getting children outside and spending time together as a family.

"Kids need to be out with the families enjoying themselves and not stuck in their iPads," the parent said.

The event also produced some memorable moments outside of the fishing itself. One participant particularly enjoyed a flyover during the tournament, saying, "Really appreciated the flyover and I posted a video of it on my Facebook."

Winning a Fish—and a Family Memory

For one local family, this year's tournament produced a memory they will not soon forget.

The father of the boy who won second place for biggest fish said this was the family's third time attending the tournament. His son was particularly excited when he won Disneyland tickets.

"My son was ecstatic about winning the Disneyland tickets and we are going to make it a family outing," the father said. "He wants to wear his fishing T-shirt when he goes to Disneyland."

It is moments like these that organizers say make the effort worthwhile.

Volunteers Make the Difference

The tournament could not happen without the many volunteers who give their time to help the children.

One longtime fisherman described one of his most rewarding moments of the day:

"Great job today. It filled my heart with joy as I had one kid I worked with all morning and with 15 minutes left he got a fish. The son and his dad were full of thanks for letting this old fisherman help out."

Another grandfather, who attended with his grandson and also helped with tournament preparations, said the experience left a lasting impression.

"I wanted to thank you again for allowing my grandson and myself to be part of the kids fishing tournament. We had a great time today and really enjoyed working with you all helping with preparations," he said.

He went on to describe the experience as something much larger than a single weekend.

"In the crazy world that we live in today I just don't come across people as I did this weekend and it really restored my faith in people…I really needed to let you know that you guys really make a positive impact on this Valley."

A Valley Tradition

The support for the tournament also comes from residents who have deep roots in the San Jacinto Valley.

One longtime Valley resident, who recalled bringing his family to the Gilman Resort years ago, said he was impressed by Golden Era's continued efforts to make its facilities available for community activities.

"It is really awesome that Golden Era does this fishing tournament and all the other events you do here," he said. "I know because I am a member of the Jeep Club and the Kiwanis and we use this facility a lot."

"I think that you are the only group in the valley that does so much for the community. Letting the community use this golf course facility is awesome."

Members of the Perris Valley Anglers Club have also watched the tournament become a family tradition.

One member said he has attended the fishing tournaments for years, first bringing his son and now bringing his grandchildren.

"I am really happy to do this as it keeps my kids and grandkids away from drugs and gang life and they love it," he said.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The strong turnout at this year's fundraiser demonstrates the community's continued support for an event centered on children, families and the outdoors.

Organizers are already looking ahead to the 2027 Free Kids Fishing Tournament on March 20 and hope to build on the momentum created by this year's event.

The tournament is made possible through the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, fishing clubs, community organizations and individuals who believe that children need opportunities to put down their electronics, get outside and create memories with their families.

At its heart, the Free Kids Fishing Tournament is about much more than catching a fish.

It's about catching a memory that lasts a lifetime.