After opening four cabins and a concession stand in January, Jiggs Landing hosted a cookout and fishing tournament.
By
Amanda Sebastiano
| 2:50 p.m. April 2, 2016
East County
Neighbors
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He had already caught four bluegill fish, but this catch was special.
Gage Barfield's fifth catch of the day took the bait seconds after he launched his line into the water, and his father, Sean, was there to see it.
"Look," Barfield said to his father, with a smile. "I caught another one."
Barfield, who was the first person in the children's division to catch a fish during a fishing tournament April 2, was proud his father saw the catch. The father-son duo participated in the tournament, which awarded one adult and one child who caught the biggest fish throughout the day, as part of Jiggs Landing's Grand Opening celebration.
Thirty individuals posted up on the docks and waited for fish to bite their lines.
The event showcased the additions to Jiggs Landing, which was previously operated by the county, but wasn't utilized for events or overnight stays at it is now. Additions include four new cabins, which are available for rental, a playground and a concession area.
The celebration also featured live music by former "American Idol" contestant and Braden River High graduate Sam Woolf, as well as property tours and barbecue food.
Gage Barfield is the first participant younger than 18 to catch a fish.
The Capecchi family — Aaron, Cassie, A.J., Emily and Max — enjoy burgers and hot dogs.
Jake Kerrigan and his mother, Amy, of East County, enjoy fishing.
Nine-year-old Patrick Lowery, of East County, find a spot to fish on the dock.
Liz Cruz, of Bradenton, casts her fishing line out into the water.
Thirteen-year-old Dylan Nealey, of East County, participates in the children's division of the fishing tournament.
Eduard Grodskii, of East County, moved to the area from Russia.
Bailey Williams, of Bradenton, relaxes on the dock while waiting for a fish to bite.
Six-year-old Natalie Wojs, of Bradenton, tests of the swing set on the playground at Jiggs Landing.
Former "American Idol" contestant and East County native Sam Woolf sings cover songs for a crowd.
Casey Flynn and Mike Mayer, of East County, relax under the pavilion, away from the rain but close to the food and music.
Cheryl Flynn and Terri Mayer, of East County, enjoy an afternoon outside, despite the afternoon storm.
James Turk and his wife, Elyse, of Bradenton, take cover from the rain.
Five-year-old Chance Horvath, of Bradenton, approves of the new playground equipment.
The grand opening celebration was designed to let community members know about the additions to Jiggs Landing, such as four cabins and a concession area.
Patricia Riser, of Bradenton, waits for a bite on her line.
Ken and Lorraine Salazar, of East County, don't let the rain dampen their afternoon outside.
Travis Tinder, of Bradenton, cooks up burgers and hot dogs for a hungry crowd.
T.J. Besterman, of East County, looks uncomfortable, but spends much of the afternoon relaxing on the playground.
