The first Great Sam Rayburn Cardboard Boat Regatta took place Saturday, September 3rd, at the Jackson Hill Park swimming area. The event was hosted by Outdoor Freedom Network and Ross Motor Sports of Lufkin. Around 200 participants and spectators came out to cheer their favorite teams from as far away as Arkansas for this inaugural event. The San Augustine Chamber sponsoring the "Pink Streak" fight cancer race boat was voted by people's choice as Best in Show and the team of Tucker and Chase Dykes from Lufkin took first place honors in the Regatta race as dozens of kids of all ages took part in the end of summer day at the lake. "Based on our early interest, we thought we could have a good crowd, but it was beyond our expectations," said a delighted Cat Bennett Outdoor Freedom Network Director. 

The event entry fee was donated to this year's Toys for Tots campaign and the remaining event profit was donated to the Outdoor Freedom Network charity for Veterans and Children. Everyone in attendance was given a ticket to vote for their favorite boat and a door prize drawing for 2lbs of Meat Empire Award-Winning Brisket. 

The watermelon-eating contest was sponsored by Deep East Texas High School Fishing Series and attracted almost 40 kids to the delight of the crowd. "We want to thank all of our sponsors and supporters for helping to make this event a success and look forward to next year's event to be both bigger and better." To find out more information about Outdoor Freedom Network, you can go to www.outdoorfreedom.net.