Ziggy Memorial Poker Tournament

The Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum will be the focus of a new island event, the First Ziggy Memorial Poker Tournament and Cook-Out, which is being held on Friday, May 23 at the Boca Bay Power House.

The event to be held from 6 to 10 p.m. is purely for fun and bragging rights, as all money raised will go to benefit the museum.

The First Ziggy Memorial Poker Tournament and Cook-Out will feature music, a mullet toss and casting contest, to be held concurrently with the poker tournament. Throughout the evening raffles will be held for a wide array of prizes.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the development of environmental education programs for children of The Island School and other local elementary schools, as well as visiting grandchildren. An emphasis on the ecological balance between traditional fishing methods and protecting the local fishery’s habitat will be the hallmark of these programs.

The public is encouraged to show their support for island heritage and the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum by taking part in the evening of fun and entertainment.

Ziggy the Pig was the mascot of Whidden’s Marina for 15 years, after taking the place of his predecessor pig, Susie.

Melissa Joiner Steyer inherited Ziggy when he was just 3 months old from islander Scooter Darna, and thousands of visitors paid tribute to the black pig who lounged with ducks and other animals at the entryway to the historic marina.

There are sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses to participate in the event.

For more information and to reserve tickets call Dave Arner at 964-0222.