It’s official, the 77th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo season of events has begun.
More than 75 people from the community came out Sept. 18 to The Inn on Destin Harbor for the “Meet Miss Destin” event, kicking off the Rodeo season.
Miss Destin 2025 is Bella Riggs was all smiles as she walked around and talked with guests who had come to celebrate. Riggs not only serves as an ambassador for Destin, but she will reign over the Destin Fishing Rodeo, welcoming anglers, and spectators to the event, and even posing for photos with a fish or two.
“The event at The Inn on Destin Harbor was fabulous,” said Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
“Miss Destin Bella Riggs was engaging and mingled with all of the Rodeo volunteers, members and participants,” Donaldson said.
Laura Sampsel and others were impressed with Miss Destin Bella Riggs.
“She was very engaging, grounded, bright and intelligent,” Sampsel said, noting she enjoyed chatting with Riggs.
Another described Riggs as “warm and inviting.”
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar provided the food for the event, which included smoked tuna dip, BBQ sliders, shrimp skewers and more.
Musician Brendon Preece entertained on the deck outside, while folks sat and enjoyed the sunset on the harbor.
“I enjoyed meeting people involved in our community and who love Destin as much as I do,” Riggs said.
“It was a great way to start off and I can’t wait to see everyone on the docks,” Riggs said.
Next on the Rodeo calendar is the Captains and Mates meeting on Sept. 25 at 5 p.m., followed by the Reel Local Kick-Off Party at 6 p.m. Both events take place at AJ’s.
The big event — the 77th annualDestin Fishing Rodeo — begins Oct. 1 and goes throughout the month. The scales will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on the docks behind AJ’s.
Tina Harbuck serves on the board of directors for the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Community comes out to meet Miss Destin 2025 Bella Riggs
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
