One of my favorite Gulf Coast events is quickly approaching. Its the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, and even if you are not a fisherman, do yourself a favor and head on down to Dauphin Island the third weekend of July and watch the fun. Hard to believe the Mobile Jaycees have been putting on the rodeo for 77 years. I attended the rodeo's kickoff party tonight on the battleship. It was great to see all the past rodeo president's introduced and recognized. One of the old timers was the president back in 1959.
Each year between 3500 and 4500 fishermen compete for cash and prizes. And when all the lunkers have been weighed in and cheered by the huge crowds on Daughin Island, and all the prize money has been paid out, the Jaycees donate the rest to charity. They have already given more than $100,000.00 in scholarships to the Marine Sciences department at the University of South Alabama. Each year, those marine science students help with the tournament and do research on the fish that are brought in.
The Mobile Jaycees is a great organization. They also put on the Greater Gulf State Fair, and sponsor the Azalea Trail Maids. The Jaycees offer great experience for young people in leadership and management. And like me, they're not afraid to raise a glass once in a while. Work hard, play hard.. my kinda folks! Life is short, ya gotta celebrate when you get a chance.
So go ahead and put it on your calendar. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is July 17,18 and 19. The junior tournament is the previous Saturday on July 11th. I'll have my boys out there wetting a line. If ya see us, make sure ya say howdy!
