Big Smiles and Big Catches

Families, friends, and community partners came together for a day full of excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories at the Free Kids Fishing Tournament Inc., held Saturday, March 28, at the three lakes of the Golden Era Golf Course.

With lakes freshly stocked with bass and catfish, young anglers ages 6 to 15 reeled in an impressive 141 fish, while more than 600 attendees and volunteers turned out to support this heartwarming, family-friendly event.

This tournament was a true celebration of community—showcasing just how much local residents value creating fun, safe, and enriching experiences for kids.

BIG WINNERS, BIGGER SMILES

The catch of the day belonged to 8-year-old Destiny Kuehn, who landed a massive 9.86-pound fish, earning her:

• 4 tickets to Disneyland
• A $100 Disney gift certificate
• A trophy

Close behind, 14-year-old Alfonzo Perez hooked an 8.8-pound fish, winning:

• 2 Disneyland tickets
• A $100 Disney gift certificate
• A trophy

Both winners were thrilled and are already planning their Disneyland adventures!

TOP YOUNG ANGLERS SHINE

Participants competed in two divisions:

• Junior Division (ages 6–10)
• Senior Division (ages 11–15)

The top 10 anglers in each group received trophies or medallions along with exciting prizes such as:

• A kids’ birthday party for 50
• Boat rental and fishing at Lake Perris
• Backyard paintball passes
• Local amusement tickets
• Fishing passes for a Riverside lake

Senior Division Highlights:
1st – Tyler Weston (7.7 lbs)
2nd – Nathan Williams (5.7 lbs)
3rd – Aiden Van Nortwick (4.5 lbs)
4th – Noel Gonzalez (4.3 lbs)
5th – Ethan Cid (3.3 lbs)
6th – Bradley Wilson (3.0 lbs)
7th – Arcey Ruiz (2.9 lbs)
8th – Liam Cardin (2.8 lbs)
9th – Taylor Fried (2.7 lbs)
10th – Mark Rodriguez (2.5 lbs)

Junior Division Highlights:
1st – Weston James (4.7 lbs)
2nd – Scarlett Van Nortwick (4.6 lbs)
3rd – Lilyanna Rene Felix (3.1 lbs)
4th – Davian Harroquin (2.7 lbs)
5th – Christian Gonzalez (2.7 lbs)
6th – Zachary Culhane (2.5 lbs)
7th – Christopher Boggs (2.3 lbs)
8th – Ethan Francis (2.2 lbs)
9th – James King (2.2 lbs)
10th – Kyna Rodriguez (2.1 lbs)

COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROVIDED A FULL DAY OF FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

• The Hemet Kiwanis Club grilled up hamburgers and hot dogs
• Cal Fire Station 25 brought their fire truck and mascot, Captain Cal
• American Medical Response (AMR) supported the event
• Police Explorers ensured safe and organized parking
• Boy Scout Troop #46 hosted demonstrations
• California Department of Fish & Wildlife provided rods and reels
• Greater San Jacinto Chamber hosted a Kiddie Corner
• Hemet Rotary managed registration and breakfast bags
• Hidden Valley Reptiles wowed kids with a python and more
• My City Youth and Drug Free World hosted booths
• Drug Free World provided anti-drug literature for the kids
• Point Seekers Bass Club ran weigh stations
• U.S. Bank San Jacinto and Jennifer Venable, Attorney at Law provided volunteers

AN UNFORGETTABLE OPENING

The day kicked off in spectacular fashion with an aerobatic flyover by Doug Medore and Dave Mundwiler in their Pitts Special planes during the National Anthem, beautifully performed by Linda Greilich of Golden Era Productions.

San Jacinto Councilwoman and Riverside County Woman of the Year Valerie Vandever served as Master of Ceremonies and officially launched the tournament.

POWERED BY COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND MAJOR SPONSORS INCLUDED:

• Andy Domenigoni Farms
• Backs Automotive
• DPR Construction
• Hemet Grocery Outlet
• Inland Foundation Engineers
• Inland Pharmacy
• Michelle Meade Realtor
• Soboba Foundation
• Steve DiMemmo (Disney tickets & gift certificates)
• Sysco Foods (food sponsor)
• Tim Moranz Auto Group
• Toliver Financial Services
• VIP Autos
• Webb Associates

In addition, many generous in-kind sponsors helped make the day possible. Because of this incredible support, every child received a t-shirt, breakfast snack bag, goody bag, fishing pole (if needed), and lunch.

VOICES FROM THE DAY

The impact of the event was best captured by those who attended:

“Everybody needs to get their feet in the grass and enjoy nature.”
“I want to do this again.”
“Kids need to be out with families—not stuck on iPads.”
“The flyover was amazing—I even posted it on Facebook!”

One proud father shared: “My son was ecstatic about winning Disneyland tickets and we’re making it a family trip—he even wants to wear his fishing t-shirt to Disneyland.”

A volunteer reflected: “With just 15 minutes left, the child I was helping caught a fish. The joy from him and his dad made my whole day.”

And one heartfelt message summed it up best: “This event restored my faith in people. You are making a real, positive impact on this Valley.”

MORE THAN A TOURNAMENT

This wasn’t just a fishing competition—it was a day of connection, community, and creating lifelong memories. And if the kids have anything to say about it… they’ll be back next year, rods in hand and smiles ready.

Join the Free Kids Fishing Tournament Inc. on Facebook at San Jacinto/Hemet valley kids fishing tournament.