FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Duesing sduesing@gmail.com 407-721-4633 Downtown Showdown KDW Fishing Tournament and Saltwater Festival Coming to West Palm Beach Waterfront May 22 – 23 WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 6, 2015) – Inspired by their friend Scott, who was tragically killed in a car accident, four local fishermen are bringing his dream to life with a fishing tournament and saltwater festival on the West Palm Beach Waterfront May 22 – 23. Scott Terry was an outstanding angler and community advocate who dreamed of hosting a unique fishing tournament in Palm Beach County – one that was different than all the rest, a real celebration of the sport. Now a little more than one year after his death, his friends are honoring his memory with an event West Palm Beach will never forget, the Downtown Showdown Fishing Tournament and Saltwater Festival.
Numerous local and national sponsors, including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Contender Boats and Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, are on board, excited to be part of this event, which is expected to be one of the biggest fishing tournaments ever held on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. The Downtown Showdown will take place on Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard to Datura Street. With live music, food trucks, local vendors, kid zone and amazing boats and super cars on display, this free, family-friendly event has something for everyone. “This is so much more than just a fishing tournament,” said John Jackson, Downtown Showdown cofounder. “It’s a place for everyone – anglers, family, and the local community – to celebrate the joy of the saltwater lifestyle and to honor a great man.” With about 150 boats expected to compete, this tournament will be one of the largest in the county. Anglers in the Downtown Showdown will compete for a guaranteed cash prize of $10,000 for “Big Fish Overall” category. Teams can also win substantial cash awards for the biggest kingfish, dolphin and wahoo, along with small boat, junior angler and lady angler prizes. The tournament features numerous calcuttas as well. In addition to serious fishing, the founders want to make sure competitors have a great time.
A perfect location for fun, the waterfront provides plenty of space for teams to dock and socialize before and after weigh-in. Family and friends are welcome to join them on the docks as well. Registration is open now with early entry starting at $250 until May 1 and $350 thereafter. As a tribute to Scott, proceeds from this event will go to Lauren’s Kids, a non-profit organization that educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention through in-school curricula, awareness campaigns and speaking engagements around the country and the world. cott was an advocate for this organization. With the support of Lauren’s Kids, Scott testified against the man that sexually abused him as a child. Scott’s testimony at the trial helped put his abuser behind bars for life. The man who abused Scott ran a fishing tournament in the area, which fueled Scott’s desire to take charge of a local tournament and make it better, make it great.
“Scott Terry found his voice and used it to advocate for the safety and protection of others,” said Lauren Book, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids. “He was empowered to make things different, and did not remain a victim of abuse, but rather a thriving survivor and a force for good. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a survivor and a bright light among us. We are proud to keep his memory alive, to honor his legacy, with the Downtown Showdown.” For complete information and registration, visit downtownshowdownkdw.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. EVENT SCHEDULE Friday, May 22 – Captain’s Meeting & Dinner Saturday, May 23 – Tournament & Saltwater Festival 6 a.m. Small boat check out 6:15 a.m.
Open class check out 7 a.m. Lines in 9 a.m. West Palm Beach GreenMarket opens 11 a.m. Saltwater Festival begins (from Banyan Boulevard to Datura Street) 3 p.m. Scales open 4 p.m. All boats must be checked in 4:30 p.m. All boats must be in line to weigh 6 p.m. Weigh in ends 7 p.m. Winners announced VENDORS & ACTIVITIES Food Truck Invasion food trucks Kid Zone with pirates, bounce houses, balloon art and more Full bars with beer, wine and liquor Casting competition to win $10,000 Live music by local bands Lauren’s Kids education and activities Sea Scouts (Boy Scouts of America) demonstration area Pirates of the Treasure Coast pirate antics SuperCar Week car show The latest boats from Contender and Jupiter on display AVAILABLE MEDIA SOURCES: John Jackson, Downtown Showdown KDW Fishing Tournament & Saltwater Festival co-founder John Terry, Scott Terry’s father Cory Terry, Scott Terry’s brother Lauren Book, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids