Don’t miss the chance next weekend to purchase the freshest fish, including tuna and blue fish, pulled from local waters as the Babylon Tuna Club holds it annual Invitational Tuna Tournament Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 27, 28 and 28. Michael Bernard, a spokesman for the group, says this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.

"We really have some wonderful things planned in addition to the opportunity to purchase fresh fish," said Bernard. "There will be fun and games, and it is a great opportunity for friends and families to get together."

The event will be held at the Babylon Village dock. Boats will leave on Friday and return Saturday and Sunday and prizes will be awarded.

Vendors will be presenting a variety of wares, there will be face painting for the kids a dunk tank and more.

ERIC PRICE, DIRECTOR OF THE BABYLON VILLAGE YOUTH PROJECT(center holding child) poses for a photo flanked by Youth Project president Theresa Santmann and other members of the Babylon Village Youth Project.

Boat captains can register in one of two categories: day boats, which fish from 5 a.m., to 6 p.m., and overnighters, which fish from 6 a.m., Friday to 6 p.m., Sunday.

In addition, an awards dinner will be held Sunday evening at John Anthony’s on the Water. Anyone interested in fishing in the tournament can call Leo at 631-661-6431.

As always, proceeds from this event will benefit the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, as well as local charities, including the Babylon Fire Department and the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.

In phoot above, one of last year’s winners shows off his catch.

BABYLON YOUTH PROJECT members from left: Nicole Fernandez, Bonnie Leitch and Agnes Martino.

BABYLON YOUTH PROJECT BOARD PRESIDENT Theresa Santmann (left) takes a break, after narrating the pageant, with fellow board member Jackie Brucia and village resident Steve Sacchi. Annual Ole Times Day in Babylon See Page 8