Times Observer file photo First place Angler from the 2017 Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament.

The annual Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament kicks off today in the ‘Sportsman’s Paradise.’

The four-day event is a Tidioute staple held on the last full weekend in September each year.

“This tournament started 59 years ago as a fishing contest only,” according to PSCFT Vice Chairman Kylei Davison. “59 years ago, the town of Tidioute got excited because this was an event exclusive to Tidioute. Our local businesses got involved decorating and participating in the execution of the tournament.”

In 2017, 456 people registered for the tournament. Of those, only 42 were from Tidioute, Davison said. Not every registered angler makes it to the scales at qualifying time. Last year, that number was 49. In 2016, 155 fishermen showed up at the scales.

“From there, those who attended to fish brought their families,” Davison said. “Wives and kids needed something to participate and get excited about, so we expanded to a parade, a carnival, a kids fishing derby, and a craft show.”

The events begin on Thursday with rides and concessions, according to the event website — www.pascft.org. “A parade through town follows on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Junior Angler’s are crowned at 9 p.m. Saturday evening. In addition, door prizes for the public are also drawn on Saturday evening at 8 p.m.”

“We have carried on that tradition to keep the community businesses, town folk and visitors excited,” she said. “This tournament has turned into an opportunity for schools to raise money for the classes and special events, other organizations to raise awareness and money.”

“Friends and family come in from out of town and get involved in our tournament,” Davison said. “For the 25 members of the fishing tournament committee, this is an opportunity for us to give back to the community that we love and have personally invested so much in.”

“Many of our committee members have been involved for over 30 years,” she said. “Kids have been raised into this organization, family members come in from town to help make sure the weekend runs smoothly.”

“We have made this fishing tournament a priority for the town and community that we love,” she said.