City to open rodeo with tribute to Capt. Salty
The first day of this year’s Destin Fishing Rodeo will pay tribute to one of its founders.
Monday, The Destin History and Fishing Museum, the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the city of Destin will all honor 94-year-old Reddin Brunson, affectionately known around the community as Captain Salty.
Brunson’s day will start at the Rodeo’s weigh scales behind A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar where he will greet the angler who hooks the Rodeo’s fi rst fish and tell stories of the Rodeo’s early days. The museum will also read a proclamation naming Monday Reddin Brunson Day in the city of Destin at the scales. The Rodeo, which celebrates its 59th year, begins when the scales open at 10 a.m., Monday.
The Destin History and Fishing Museum will hold a lunch with Capt. Salty starting at noon at A.J.’s and Destin’s American Legion Post 296 on Main Street will hold an open house Monday night in Salty’s honor.
Janet Chapman, associate director of the museum, said Brunson has been a great friend to the museum and to the community and his day of recognition is well-deserved.
“He has been an exemplary member of the community, and he has done a lot for the museum. He is the history of Destin,” she said.
The public is invited to attend the lunch at A.J.’s and a special menu will be provided, but those attending will have to pay for their own lunch. Monday night, the Destin City Council will issue an official proclamation at its meeting and acknowledge Brunson before he is whisked away to a dinner at Harbor Docks.