KawFest Saturday at Sandy Beach

Grab the sun screen, lawn chairs and get ready to enjoy fun on the beach Saturday, June 25.

It’s the annual KawFest at Sandy Beach on Kaw Lake, organized by the Kaw Lake Association.

"We’re bringing back some the things you love including live music with Morrison 33, Beach Volleyball Tournament and Pork Cook-0ff,” said Natascha Holloway, KawFest chairman. “Last year we added a Boat Poker Run and Sand Horseshoe Pitching Tournament both of which were successful so we’re bringing them back again, plus adding a Bass Fishing Tournament.”

Admission to KawFest is $5 per person, $3 for teens, and free for children 12 and younger.

Entry forms for any of the tournaments are available by contacting the Kaw Lake Association, 580-762-9494, 580-716-9015 or email [email protected] .

The morning will begin at safelight (approximately 6:45 a.m.) with the KawFest Bass Fishing Tournament from the McFadden Cove Marina.

Entry fee is $25 per two-person team with guaranteed payouts to first, second and third place, plus Big Bass. Anglers can sign up in advance by contacting the Kaw Lake Association at 580-762-9494 or 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, at the required tournament meeting at the McFadden Cove Marina. Boats will depart from the McFadden Cove Marina and return there for weigh-in.

Gates to Sandy Beach will open Saturday at 9 a.m. Then play in the water or on the beach and later in the day watch talent on the stage. In the evening, there will be music with Morrison 33 and Funk Da Fied.

For those into a more sedate sport, the second annual KawFest Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 10 a.m.

Entry fee is $10 per two-person team with a prize of $100 to the first place team. Teams must use horseshoes provided by the Kaw Lake Association. You can enter in advance or that morning at Sandy Beach.

I f volleyball is your sport, then enter the Co-ed Sand Volleyball Tournament Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. A previous KawFest favorite event, entry is $50 per team and teams will consist of up to five players. Teams should enter by Thursday, June 23.

To enter or to get more information, contact the Kaw Lake Association at 580-762-9494 or Jaimee Miller, 580-716-8172.

Backyard Barbecue Cooks, fire up your smokers and get ready to cook all day in the KawFest Pork Cook-off. This is a leisurely event with food provided by the Kaw Lake Association to each backyard barbecue cook.

Whether your specialty is ribs, pork loin or pulled pork, you’ll get to cook them all. The public will purchase tasting kits that evening for $6 each to taste and judge your finest pork.

Entry fee is $100 per team with a $500 prize to the first place team. Teams must sign up in advance by contacting the Kaw Lake Association, 580-762-9494 or 580-716-9015.

The Second Annual KawFest Boat Poker Run starts at 1 p.m. at the McFadden Cove Marina. You can depart anytime from 1 to 3 p.m. First hand is $20 and $15 for a second hand played by the same person. First place wins $100 and worst hand $25. In addition, there will be a 50/50 pot for $5 per ticket. The Boat Poker Run will end at Sandy Beach with last card drawn at the KawFest Information Booth on Sandy Beach and awards at 4:30 p.m. Sign up that afternoon at the marina.

Kids get wet and work off excess energy on the bounce-a-lot for only $5 for the day.

The evening winds down with live music on the beach featuring local favorites Morrison 33 and Funk Da Fied. Morrison 33 is an original band that refuses to be classified by any genre, according to their website. They work hard to create unique music.

For more information on KawFest or the Kaw Lake Association, please contact the Kaw Lake Association office at 580-762-9494 or 1-877-671-6985 or e-mail [email protected].

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Entries are being accepted for the KawFest Sand Volleyball Tournament, one of the many KawFest events Saturday, June 25 at Sandy Beach on Kaw Lake. Entry fee is $50 for a five-person team and teams should sign up by Thursday, June 23 at the Kaw Lake Association office, 3517 Lake Road, Ponca City or by calling 580-762-9494 or 580-716-9015.