Surf-fishing tag No. 1 set for auction block
Delaware surf-fishing tag No. 1 will go on the auction block Saturday, Oct. 22, during the two-day Booo-B-Que by the Sea Festival at Delaware Seashore State Park.
The festival, which begins Friday, Oct. 21, will be held in the day-use and campground area on the south side of Indian River Inlet.
Tag No. 1 will be one of several low-digit tags to be auctioned beginning at 2:30 p.m., Oct. 22. Other tags include Nos. 5, 11, 200, 400 and 500 as well as a choice of certain low- and high-numbered tags.
Since the first low-digit surf-fishing tag auction in fall 2015, 92 tags have been sold, generating more than $300,000 in revenue for Delaware State Parks and surf-fishing beach access. Tag No. 2 was sold at the 2015 Booo-B-Que, fetching $20,500.
The auction is just one part of the larger Booo-B-Que festival, featuring a barbecue cook-off, family friendly activities, a 5K run/walk and various entertainment.
“The first Booo-B-Que was a smashing success, and we are excited to bring the event back for its second year,” said Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens in a press release. “We expect to see even larger crowds this year and are thrilled to benefit the Delaware Community Foundation’s Children in Nature Endowment. Also, our hosting the event at Delaware Seashore State Park offers the unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Indian River Inlet while enjoying some of the best BBQ on the Atlantic Coast.”
BBQ competitors from up and down the East Coast from as far as New York, North Carolina, and Connecticut are expected to compete for the opportunity to be named the best barbecue chef in these parts and to win up to $10,000 in prize money. The Booo-B-Que also has the distinction of hosting the state championship for barbecue, and will help one competitor earn an invitation to the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational in 2017. To enter the BBQ competition, both pro and backyard grillers should contact event organizer Sandy Fulton at sandyfulton720@gmail.com.
For more information on the Booo-B-Que event, go to destateparks.com/boo-bq/.
The process of producing and selling numbered surf tags was set up when legislation sponsored by former Rep. John Atkins in 2014 won unanimous support in both the House and Senate. The black-and-white tags have a unique, vintage look with raised letters. Bidding will open at $250. The winning bidder for each tag will receive a certificate of authenticity. Owners will retain the tag as long as they have a valid surf-fishing permit. State law requires that any tag numbered 200 and under must purchased by a Delaware resident. For more information about the auction, go to destateparks.com/lowdigittag/.
Event schedule
Friday, Oct. 21
4 p.m. - Event opens
4:15 p.m. - Tony Windsor – “40 Years of Country”
5-8 p.m. - People’s Choice wing competition
5-9 p.m. - Music by Bo Dickerson Band
6 p.m. - Kids trick or treat
6:30-8 p.m. - Bonfire
7 p.m. - Booo-B-Q Social media photo contest
7 p.m. - Guided Bridge Walk (meet at bonfire)
Saturday, Oct. 22
9 a.m. - 5K run/walk kicks off
10:30 a.m. - 5K run/walk awards
11 a.m. - Booo-B-Q Festival kicks off
Noon-2:30 p.m. - Music by Tom Larsen Band
Noon-4 p.m. - Jeep “Show N’ Shine”
2 p.m. - “Kids-Que” competition
2:30 p.m. - Auction of Delaware low-digit surf tags
3:30 p.m. - Best costume competition, best decorated booth
4-6 p.m. - Parks-style pumpkin decorating
5 p.m. - Awards For BBQ competition
5:30 p.m. - Mini-Jeep raffle winner announced
6 p.m. - Naturalist program: “Bats and the Blue Bridge”
6:30-8 p.m. - Bonfire and marshmallow roast
7 p.m. - Shipwreck Storytelling: Tragic Tales from Delaware Seashore’s past
7 p.m. - Announcement of social media photo contest winner
