2025 Castafari Offshore Fishing Seminar Schedule
Schedule of Events
Complimentary Breakfast And Lunch, Presentations, Hands-On Workshops, Baitrigging Labs (Do It Yourself).
2 Big Presentation Rooms
10:45am DOORS OPEN
SATURDAY Main Room
11:30pm - 12:00pm INTRODUCTION and IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm "Don’t Be A One Trick Pony" NEW 2025
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How To Be Flexible With Your Tuna Tactics South Of Cape Cod, RI, & Montauk
Capt. Kevin Albohn
The fishery south of Cape Cod and RI has been on the move. In 2024, we saw a massive bloom of algae out there, and fishermen had to adjust. This will cover crucial information on how to read, follow, and understand the ecosystem you're fishing in, and how to adapt effectively. Learn what methods/tackle work during what conditions. Match the changes as they happen. This will entail jigging, casting, trolling, and chunking. Don't be a one trick pony out there! - 1:30pm - 2:30pm "Technology to Find Fish "
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Locating Fish Before You Leave The Dock And Finding Them Once You're There – Learn From A Scientist Who Creates The Technology And A Captain Who Uses It
Capt. Mark Decabia and Dr. Jeffrey Barr
Learn how to use the resources we have when it comes to understanding what’s happening offshore. Learn how weather, moon, tide, and water conditions can define where we fish, and how water color, chlorophyl, turbidity, and temperature play crucial roles in the fishing game. Learn environmental signs and changes to look for, how to maximize your sonar capabilities, and see first hand a new satellite technology platform called SATFISH, and how essential it can be to your offshore fishing game. - 3:00pm - 4:00pm "How We Get Them To Eat" NEW 2025
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4 Different Captains Discuss How To Get Stubborn Tuna To Eat - Hear Input From The Crowd In A Live Q&A Discussion (MASS BAY GUIDES PODCAST)
Capts. Brian & Taylor Sears, Mark Decabia, Damon Sacco
Here some crazy tactics used to get fish to eat. Every fisherman has them. So ask the questions you've always wanted to ask or share your own tactics and stories. Everyone can learn something from this one. This will be a fully interactive Q & A session with 4 different captains sharing over 100 years of experience and perspective. The Sea Bros will be recording this session for their podcast series. - 4:30pm - 6:00pm "Where's the Bait" NEW 2025
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Bait Spots...Where, When, and How (Stellwagen Bank To Montauk) 5 Different Captains – 5 Different Baits (bluefish, mackerel, pogies, shad, & herring)
Capts. John Bunar, Damon Sacco, Matt Perachio, Mark Decabia, Seth Funt
Every good tuna fisherman knows, getting bait is the most important step in the game. This presentation will cover where the bait spots are, tell tail signs to look for, how they evolve through summer and fall, and how to catch your bait when you're there. Learn what tackle and techniques work best based on species and location. - 12:00pm - 1:00pm The Slow Pitch" NEW 2025
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A Newly Developed Jigging Tactic, Slow Pitching, Is Proving Deadly On All Species Tuna
Capt. Jorge Polo
This presentation will cover the essence of slow pitch jigging. Learn what types of tackle and jigs work best for a slow pitch, and the techniques to ensure you are doing it properly. Learn straight from one of the pioneers who helped develop this style of fishing, and how deadly it is on tuna. Whether you're spending a night at the canyons targeting yellowfin and bigeye or bluefin fishing closer to home.**Jorge will be hosting a hands on workshop on building your own "assist hooks" for your jigs at 5pm in Workshop Room 1. - 1:30pm - 2:30pm "Better Bait = Better Fishing" NEW 2025
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Learn How To Properly Store, Feed, Transport, & Maintain Your Live Baits (Don't Just Throw Them In The Pen!)
Capt. Seth Funt
This knowledge is a must for all tuna fishermen. This talk will cover how to keep your live bait fresh and healthy. Whether you're using mackerel, herring, pogies, squid, or bluefish, it is imperative to know what food(s) to feed your baits, how often to do it, and how to store and transport them correctly. Learn the dos and don'ts on how to handle baits, and products/tools you can use to preserve their health so they last and fish longer.
2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings in the MAIN ROOM
SATURDAY Ballroom 2
2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
- 3:30pm - 4:30pm "Jigging for Big Tuna"
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Jigging Tactics For Big Bluefin & Bigeye (Don't Lose Fish After 4 Hours)
Capt. Matt Perachio
During the past few seasons, the jigging game has revolutionized the way we catch bluefin tuna, especially giants. New and improved tackle, innovative terminal gear, modernized hooks, and bullet-proof connections have enabled fishermen to step up their game against much bigger fish. It is common knowledge that jigs work just as effectively as live bait. Learn what tools, tackle, and skills you need to get you in the game, and how to get the bites. **Matt will be hosting a connections workshop after this talk at 4:30pm in Workshop Room 2.
- 5:00pm - 6:00pm "Night Moves"
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Learn The Tricks You Need To Get The Sword Bites After The Sun Goes Down
Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn a detailed rundown on how to set up your vessel for swordfish after the sun goes down...what you need for tackle...how to set up your drift...where to position your baits...what baits you will need...where to start fishing.
6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings in MAIN ROOM
SATURDAY Workshop Room 1
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm "Jigs 101 Workshop" Learn What Types Of Jigs & Assist Hooks Are Out There & How To Rig/Use Them (streakers, casting, high speed, slow pitch, butterfly)
- Capt. Seth Funt
Learn the different types of jigs on the market and how they should be rigged and fished. This will showcase how to match your jig with the right assist hook. - 2:00pm - 3:00pm Throwing a Cast Net - 4 Classes to choose from (Meet at 2pm sharp)
- Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from.
2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
- 3:30pm - 4:40pm Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 4:00 sharp)
- Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from. - 5:00pm - 6:00pm "How To Build Assist Hooks" Jigging Tricks For Rigging - NEW 2025
- Capt. Jorge Polo
This is a must for all jigging fishing enthusiasts. Learn some new methods to create your own assist hooks, and how to ensure they stay attached to your jig and hook fish correctly.
6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM
SATURDAY Workshop Room 2
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm "Splicing Workshop" NEW 2025
- Learn How To Splice Mono Into Dacron/Hollowcore Braided Line With A Needle
Capts. Billy Shouldice & Dylan Hunt
Learn how to spool your own topshots once and for all. This will be a step by step workshop on how to splice monofilament line into dacron or hollowcore braid using a rigging needle. - 2:00pm – 3:00pm "Spooling Workshop" NEW 2025
- Learn How To Spool Your Reels On The Fly And The Advantages Of Hollowcore vs. Solid Braid
Capt. Matt Perachio
This demonstration will highlight techniques on spooling your spinning and conventional reels without a line spooler. Learn some important specifics on hollowcore line versus solid braid, and how to spool them correctly.
2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
- 3:30pm - 4:30pm "The Right Rod For The Job" NEW 2025
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Learn How To Match Your Rods With The Baits You Are Using (Stickbaits, Jigs, & Poppers)
Capt. Jack Sprengel & Kevin Albohn
Learn first hand about some of the latest developments in casting/jigging rod technology. This workshop will cover how to ensure you employ the right rod with the right lure, jig, or popper. The end result – more action and more bites. - 5:00pm – 6:00pm Connections Workshop for Jigging & Casting (Including FG Knot)
- Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn and see first hand some modern advances to the latest connections used to attach mono to braided line. This is a must if you don't already know how to splice and tie mono/flouro into/onto braided line. This will be a hands on workshop. - 6:30pm - 7:30pm "Fish Prints"
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How To Make Fish Prints From The Artist/Owner Of FISHED IMPRESSIONS
Joe Higgins
See and learn first hand from start to finish, how to make a fish print painting. Joe will be demonstrating the process live, step by step. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in creating their own fish print painting.
6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM
SATURDAY Bait Rigging Workshop
(New Topics This Year!)
**Sponsored by Baitmasters, www.baitmasters.com
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm "Hiding the Hook" Rigging Stealthy Hook-baits for Chunking
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Capts. Damon Sacco & Mark Decabia
Learn some stealthy techniques on how to rig hook baits for giant tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna. This will include step by step hands on instruction on rigging cut and whole butterfish, mackerel, herring, and sardines, how to add weight and floatation to ensure your hook-bait stays where it needs to be. - 1:30pm - 2:30pm "Strip Baits" Rigging Tenticles, Eels & Belly Strips for Swords
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Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn how to prepare, stitch, and present a natural eel, humboldt squid tentacle, and belly strip bait for both day and night time applications when targeting broadbill swordfish. These baits will also work on white marlin. - 3:30pm - 4:30pm "Ballyhoo Rigging Workshop" Rigging Trolling Ballyhoo (J Hook/Circle Hook)
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Capts. Billy Shouldice & Dylan Hunt
Learn step by step how to rig a trolling ballyhoo for all species, including how to attach a circle hook for white marlin. These techniques can be used both inshore and offshore applications. - 5:00pm – 6:00pm "Stick Bait Workshop" How to Rig A Stick Bait NEW 2025
- (2 Classes To Choose From)
Capts. Bryan & Taylor Sears
This will cover from start to finish demonstrations on how to rig a stick bait. Whether you're presenting a mackerel, a pogie, or even a herring. Stick baits will often out fish live bait and if you don't know how to do it, you're missing out on hook-up opportunities. - 6:30pm – 7:00pm BAIT BONUS "Prep A Proper Bait Tray" NEW 2025
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See How To Prep & Store Your Ballyhoo
Capt. Dylan Hunt
This will be a quick 30 minute workshop demonstration on how to prepare and store your ballyhoo so they remain durable and ready to go! - 8:30am - 9:30am "Go Deep Before You Go Home" NEW 2025
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Targeting Tanks On The Bottom, Even When You Don’t Always Mark Them
Capt. Seth Funt
This will focus on how to target bigger bluefin hanging low in the water column, when the fleet becomes crowded or if the action up high seems to wane. Learn innovative tactics and tackle that will help connect you to the bigger fish staying low. - 10:00am - 11:00am "The Turbine Truth" NEW 2025
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An Insider Perspective On Our Ecosystems Surrounding Offshore Wind Development (What They’re Not Telling Us)
Capt. Tyler Macallister
Hear from someone on the "inside" honest and accurate perspective on the effects offshore wind has on the ocean surrounding it. Captain Tyler is an accomplished marine biologist and commercial fishermen who works on the front line of this controversy. He has uncovered some truth on what's really happening. - 11:30am - 12:30pm "Working Your Stickbaits & Poppers" NEW 2025
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Learn How To Ensure Your Stickbaits & Poppers Keep Fish Interested (Don’t Just Cast And Reel)
Capts. Jack Sprengel & Max Dispoto
This will cover a variety of techniques and tricks on how to present your casted/dropped baits so they keep fish interested. Learn how to match the action of your rod tip with the bait/jig you are using, and more importantly, how to ensure they get the bites you are looking for. - 2:00pm - 3:00pm Reading Birds To Find Fish" NEW 2025
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Understanding Bird Behavior & How It Relates To What's Beneath The Surface (20 Fathoms To The Canyons)
Capts. Matt Perachio, Mark Decabia & John Anderson (Garmin Marine)
This topic is a must for all offshore fishermen. Learn how bird movement and behavior indicate what’s happening beneath the surface. This will also cover how to find birds using radar technology, what signs to look for, and which ones to ignore. - 3:30pm - 4:30pm "What's Happening With The Giant Fishery" – The Here & Now Truth (Satellite Tagging & Tracking Fish)
- Dr. Walter Golet
Learn the current state of our giant bluefin fishery. This will show fascinating information and images on where giant tuna went in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Gulf Of Mexico, Canadian waters, and beyond! Learn the biology of these remarkable fish and what we are doing to sustain the health of the fishery. - 8:30am - 9:30am "Daytiming For Swords"
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The Deep Drop Game for Swordfish & Tuna...What, How & Where
Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn how to effectively target swordfish and tuna holding deep in the water column during the day time hours with deep drop tackle. Learn all about what terminal tackle works best, what baits have proved to be most effective, where and how to set up your drift, how to attach your weights and lights, and what to look for when getting bites.*This will also contain a Deep Drop Workshop at 10:00 am (Workshop Room 1) explaining/showcasing the materials you need. - 10:00am – 11:00am "Latest Trolling Spreads For Tuna – Big Boat & Small Boat" NEW 2025
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2 Different Perspectives 2 Different Captains
Capts. Mark Decabia & Kevin Albohn
Learn detailed perspective from a captain who runs a big express and one who runs a center console. This will cover effective trolling spreads using skirted baits, lures, swimming plugs, and/or spreader bars. Learn where and how to run them in your spread. - 11:30am – 12:30pm "Tile Fish Tactics" NEW 2025
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Learn Where To Find And How To Catch Tile Fish At The Canyons
Capt. Seth Funt
If you fish the canyons, and like tasty fish, tile fishing should be in the plan. This will cover what tools and tackle you will need to get started and where and how to deploy your baits. There will be a hands on workshop in Workshop Room 2 at 2PM on how to get started. - 2:00pm - 3:00pm "Trolling the Canyons" The Latest Trends Here and Now
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Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn some of the latest methods of trolling that are working out there on the edge. This will cover trolling spreads and strategies that are working in the "here and now" of the northeast canyons. Learn what you need for tackle, where to fish and when, finding fish, multiple blue-water specie spreads. - 8:30am - 9:30am "Paddle Bait Workshop" NEW 2025
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What Soft Baits Work Best And How To Rig Them Correctly For Tuna (RonZ, Hogy, NLBN)
Capts. Kevin Albohn, Matt Perachio, Mike Hogan
This workshop will showcase some of the best and most effective soft baits available to fishermen, and more importantly, how to rig them up so they work efficiently. - 10:00am - 11:00am "Deep Dropping Workshop"
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Hands-On Workshop on the Tackle & Equipment Needed for the Deep Dropping Game
Capt.Tommy Howd
Learn and see first-hand a fundamental look at the tools and tackle you will need to get started in the deep dropping game...from reels, rods, terminal gear, and tackle. This is great for anyone thinking about spending money on the deep drop game! - 11:30am - 12:30pm Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (11:30 am sharp)
- Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from. - 2:00pm - 3:00pm Throwing A Cast Net - 4 Classes to Choose From (Meet at 2pm sharp)
- Capts. John & Jason Bunar
Learn and do first hand at the event (great for catching your own live bait). This is a huge advantage if there are pogies, butterfish, or squid in your harbor. These classes fill up on a first come first serve basis, and consequently there will be 4 classes total to choose from. - 3:30pm - 4:30pm "Hooks & Split-rings Workshop"
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Choosing & Attaching Hooks To Your Jigs, Stick Baits, & Poppers
Capt. Matt Perachio
Learn and see first hand what hooks and split-rings work best on casting and jigging baits for tuna. You will also learn how to change your hooks out correctly and what tools to use. This one is a must if you want to save money and keep your tackle as good as new. This knowledge will also help keep you connected to fish! - 8:30am - 9:30am "Crimping Correctly"
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Why Crimps Instead Of Knots...What Tools...What Crimps...And How
Capt. Dylan Hunt
Learn first hand how to crimp correctly using hand swags and a variety of crimps. This is a MUST for tuna fishing. Learn how and when to incorporate chafe gear into your set ups. - 10:00am - 11:00am "The Line Testing Challenge" NEW 2025
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Fishing Lines And Leaders Get Tested In A Tank And Pulled To Test Stretch, Abrasion, And Breaking Strength
Capts. Matt Perachio & Dylan Hunt
This is something we've never done before. See first-hand, a variety of different monofilament and fluorocarbon brands as we test and compare how they look underwater in the natural light and also how they handle extreme pressure and abrasion. You might be surprised by what you see. Varivas will be donating a line package prize to a workshop raffle winner. - 11:30am - 12:30pm "Knot Wars" NEW 2025
- How To Tie Four Of The Best Knots In Fishing And Which Ones Break First (Improved Clinch, Uni Knot, Palomar, San Diego Jam, Berkley Trilene)
Capt. Matt Perachio & Dylan Hunt
This will be a step by step demonstration showcasing five different knots used to attach line to a hook or swivel. Then see which ones break first. - 1:00pm - 1:30pm "Stand Up & Reel" – Spinning Rod Harness Workshop NEW 2025
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Capt. Kevin Albohn
Learn first hand on what products and harnesses will help you stay in the game using spinning rod tackle. This is a must for fishermen planning to square off with big bluefin while using a spinning rod set up. - 2:00pm – 3:00pm "Tilefish Workshop" NEW 2025
- Tools And Tackle You Need And How To Rig Them Properly
Capt. Seth Funt
Learn what tools and tackle you will need to target tile fish at the canyons and how to set everything up ahead of time you you're ready to go. - 3:30pm - 4:30pm "Fish Prints"
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How To Make Fish Prints From The Artist/Owner Of FISHED IMPRESSIONS
Joe Higgins
See and learn first hand from start to finish, how to make a fish print painting. Joe will be demonstrating the process live, step by step. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in creating their own fish print painting. - 8:30pm – 9:30pm "Stick Bait Workshop" How to Rig A Stick Bait New 2025
- Capts. Bryan sears, Taylor Sears, Damon Sacco
This will cover from start to finish demonstrations on how to rig a stick bait. Whether you're presenting a mackerel, a pogie, or even a herring. Stick baits will often out fish live bait and if you don't know how to do it, you're missing out on hook-up opportunities.. Learn from 3 different captains on tricks to elicit bites. - 10:00am - 11:00am Live Bait Rigging Workshop For Trolling, Kite fishing, and Drifting
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Capt. Billy Shouldice
Learn a very new and highly effective way to bridle your mackerel, bluefish, whiting, herring and pogies. This bridling set-up is revolutionizing how we fish baits and ensure the best presentation possible, especially when using circle hooks. - 11:30am - 12:30pm "Rigging A Trolling Mackerel Workshop (Make It Look Alive!)
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Capt. Damon Sacco
This will be a step by step workshop on how to rig a trolling mackerel from start to finish. Learn how to hydro-gut your bait, remove it's backbone, place the hook and weight, and sew it up properly. This technique works great when the fish are scattered and you need to cover ground, especially around Stellwagen Bank. - 1:30pm - 2:30pm "Squid Games" Rigging Squid for Tuna & Swordfish
- Capt. Tommy Howd
Learn how to prepare, stitch, and present natural squid baits for both day and night time applications when targeting broadbill swordfish and tuna. These baits will also work on white marlin. - 3:00pm - 4:00pm Advanced Baitrigging NEW 2025
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Ask Us How And Learn First Hand (Teaser Baits, Stick Baits, Dredge Mullet & More)
Capts. Damon Sacco, Mark Decabia, Tommy Howd, Dylan Hunt
Ask away on any baitrigging technique and we’ll show you how. This will cover pin rigs for mullet, adding meat to your teaser lines, stealthy stick baits, and more.
2:30pm - 3:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
6:15pm - 6:30pm Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM
SUNDAY Main Room
Raffle Drawings 8:00am & 4:45pm (over 15,000 in prizes!)
8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings
12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
4:45pm – 5:00pm Raffle Drawings
SUNDAY Ballroom 2
12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
3:30pm – 4:30pm TO BE DETERMINED
4:45pm - Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!
SUNDAY Workshop Room 1
8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM
12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
4:45pm Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!
SUNDAY Workshop Room 2
8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM
12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
4:45pm - Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!
SUNDAY Bait Rigging Workshop
8:00am - 8:15am Raffle Drawings MAIN ROOM
12:30pm - 1:30pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH BUFFET
4:45pm - Close Final Raffle Drawings, MAIN ROOM!