THE BOWEN Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend is here again! This year’s event will be held over the weekend of September 18-19 on Bowen’s front beach along Santa Barbara Parade.

The Classic has become part of Bowen’s tradition, attracting around 2000 visitors to the region every year. The event has been moved closer to the Marina for easy access to the all weather and tide boat ramp, and the comp’s position along the Beachfront Roadway and Front Beach Parkland allows all to enjoy the natural beauty and facilities.

There are 16 categories, including Crabs, Highest Weight, Secret Weight for all senior and junior anglers, the Heaviest Fish Weighed In By A Female, a Lucky Weigh-in prize and a Tagged Fish category. There are great trophies and prizes for the Champion Senior and Champion Junior anglers, and senior and junior boat package prizes allocated by lucky draw.

There are two weigh-ins over the weekend, and any fish donated to the weigh-in team are filleted and delivered to Meals on Wheels. The weigh-in station is in the middle of all the fun to give spectators better access.

There’s plenty of free entertainment over the two days, with performances by James Blundell, Luella Widt and The Blue Heeler Band, The Experience, Paul Killingly, Other Brother, Jacs High and It’s My Party. Even the children are entertained with the Pooki-Doos variety show. There’ll be heaps of rides, games, displays, entertainment, food and the popular Beachfront Bar. There’ll also a Beachwear and Bikini Parade, helicopter rides, Novelty Events, Puppet Parade, a Seafood and Wine Spectacular, fireworks, Sandcastle Competition and tens of thousands of dollars in prizes and giveaways.

Entry is just $20 for seniors and $8 for juniors. For more information contact Ross McCabbin on (07) 4786 3899 or visit www.bowentourism.com.au. For accommodation information phone (07) 4786 4222. – BFFC