By ARABELLA SERRATA
Staff Writer
The Ladies Kingfish Tournament [LKT] just wrapped up its 43rd year on South Padre Island. The PRESS followed up with Jeanette Greider, President and Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of the South Padre Island [SPI] Chamber of Commerce, for a wrap-up interview on the event.
“We had a fabulous turnout,” said Greider.
The event featured categories in bay and off-shore. According to Greider, both received excellent turnouts. The registration dinner and awards ceremony saw hordes of families and anglers alike. Greider said about 23 awards were given; it was on par with past years.
Previous anglers returned to the docks, some with new family members. This year was Greider’s first time in charge of the tournament.
“I was wide open and listening, learning, what to expect next year,” said Greider.
She said the event was “wonderfully attended” with many people enjoying their time there.
The raffle consisted of 88 items, varying from jewelry to coolers, and even art, among other things. Gift certificates for local SPI businesses were also raffled off.
Results from the tournament are available on the official Ladies Kingfish Tournament website, featured on the SPI Chamber website. Sponsors can also be viewed on the website.
“I’m excited to have it under my belt, that’s for sure, because it helps me look forward to next year, and what we can do to enhance it, to improve it,” said Greider.
While Greider reported that the event went smoothly, she also said she would like to improve wherever possible. Specifically, she said registration night could be tweaked to be “more festive,” to encourage more banter between attendees.
“Thank you to those who did attend. Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers. We simply could not have done it without them. We’re glad everyone had a good time, and we hope to see them and many more next year,” said Greider.
The Bay division Grand Champion was Laney Davis from Harlingen, Texas. The Offshore Division Grand Champion was Debbie McNair from San Antonio, Texas. Full results on the categories within the divisions can be found on the official Facebook page for the LKT. A countdown to next year’s 2025 event is already available on the website.
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