- Jose ‘Moke’ Simon is surprised by an open-mouth kiss from a live fish during the Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s Kiss My Clear Lake Bass fundraising event on Sunday in Lakeport’s Library Park. The Middletown Rancheria and Twin Pine Casino Chairman took first place honors in the contest, earning $1,000 for his charity of choice, the Middletown Mustangs. Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin and Jennifer Strong of Strong Financial Services took runner up positions and also planted one on a bass. Strong was playing for Soper Reese Theatre and Martin for the family of Deputy Jake Steely. - Dave Faries — Lake County Publishing
Chamber board members Diana Schmidt and Stephanie Ashworth tally the votes.
Third place finisher Brian Martin, Lake County’s Sheriff, appeals to the small crowd that braved 100 degree heat to vote for him. The speeches were riddled with groaners. For example, Lakeport City Council member Martin Scheel praised his rivals, ‘Moke Salmon’ and ‘Brian Marlin.’ Moke Simon told listeners he was “hooked” on the idea.
During Sunday’s Kiss My Clear Lake Bass competition Jennifer Strong of Strong Financial Services in Lakeport reacts when informed the rules required winners to kiss the fish on the lips. - Photos by Dave Faries — Lake County Publishing
But Strong planted a smooch on the bass, anyway — ‘I’d give it a 10,’ she said. The event held in Lakeport’s Library Park served as a fundraiser for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, with the top three contestants earning money for the charity of their choice. For her second place finish, Strong picked up $500 for the Soper Reese Theatre.
Kim Shay casts her ‘ballot.’
Martin Scheel examines an insect found by his son Mitchell.
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Jose ‘Moke’ Simon is surprised by an open-mouth kiss from a live fish during the Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s Kiss My Clear Lake Bass fundraising event on Sunday in Lakeport’s Library Park. The Middletown Rancheria and Twin Pine Casino Chairman took first place honors in the contest, earning $1,000 for his charity of choice, the Middletown Mustangs. Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin and Jennifer Strong of Strong Financial Services took runner up positions and also planted one on a bass. Strong was playing for Soper Reese Theatre and Martin for the family of Deputy Jake Steely. - Dave Faries — Lake County Publishing
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