5 things to know about the 2020 Destin Fishing Rodeo and surrounding events – Destin Log

Tina Harbuck|The Destin Log

From cancellations to additions, the 2020 Destin Fishing Rodeo is making some changes.

Theone thing, however, that will not change isthere will be a fishing tournament the month of October in Destin on the docks behind AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar.

But in the meantime, here are five changes concerning this year's 72nd annual Destin Fishing Rodeo.

More: PHOTOS: Big winners at the 2019 Destin Fishing Rodeo

One - The Meet Miss Destin event slated for Sept. 17 at The Inn on Destin Harbor has been canceled.

"The facility is lovely but with having as many people as we expect at the event, we felt like it was not going to be conducive to social distancing," said Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Destin Fishing Rodeo.

More: MISS DESTIN 2020: Im not scared to touch a fish

Plus the event is a food-based event as well as a chance to get to meet Miss Destin 2020, Lauren Adams.

"People would not be able to wear their mask because they would be eating," Donaldson said.

So the plan is to do an event in the spring before the Miss Destin pageant, that will showcase The Inn as well as Miss Destin Lauren Adams.

"We just want to make sure we can celebrate her reignas Miss Destin," Donaldson said.

Two - The Kid's Wagon Boat Paradeand Reel Local Rodeo Kickoff Party are both still onas planned for Sept. 25th at AJ's.

"AJ's is doing thiswonderful event (the wagon boat parade)to celebrate theRodeo. It's been a good tradition and they want to continue that," Donaldson said.

More: PHOTOS: Destin Fishing Rodeo 11th annual Kids Wagon Boat Parade

The 12th annual Kid's Wagon Boat Parade will roll at 6 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Following the wagon parade is the kickoff party on the docks, a family-fun gathering and cookout outside at AJ's.

Three - There will be no Captain's Meeting on Sept. 25.

Donaldson said the meeting, which is usually held indoors at AJ's, isn't going to take place due to social distancing requirements.

Captains will be able to pick up their buckets, filled with goodies,at the Rodeo merchandise trailerduring the kickoff party on Sept. 25. After that, their buckets can be picked up at the trailerthroughout the month of October.

Four - The annual Destin 5KRodeo Run set for Oct. 4 has been canceled.

For the past couple of years, the run had fielded more than 150 runners, which is not conducive to social distancing.

So during this pandemic, the run has been canceled for 2020.

More: 2019 - Locals shine in Rodeo Run

Five - The Rodeo will be adding triggerfish to their lineup of eligible fish to catch.

After an announcement from the NOAA Fisheries last weekthat triggerfish would be opening back up in state and federal waters starting Sept. 1 and going through Oct. 25, the Rodeo decided to add triggerfish to the leaderboard.

More: 2018 - Triggerfish almost made it in the Rodeo

"We did not take away anything ... we just addedtriggerfish to the five major divisions - Charter, Private, Party Boat, 25 and under charter and 25 and under private." Donaldson said.

There will be a first and second place in each division as well as a triggerfish on the daily board.

"Wewere very fortunate that our sponsors all came through for the awards for that," she said.

The last time the Destin Fishing Rodeo was able to have triggerfish in the lineup was 2013.

However, triggerfish will not be open the entire month, it will last about 85 percent of the month.

"And we're going to take advantage of being able to catch a big old triggerfish," Donaldson said.

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5 things to know about the 2020 Destin Fishing Rodeo and surrounding events - Destin Log