FISH FEST: Your weekend event planner for the Seafood Fest and Rodeo (with RODEO RAP LIVEBLOG and PHOTOS)

SATURDAY UPDATE: The Destin Harbor bustled Saturday with seafood fever. Shrimp, Mahi, even chicken, alligator, corndogs and endless other varieties of seafood and treats were served to thousands all while the first day of the Fishing Rodeo kicked off behind AJ's with fresh caught fish being weighed in front of a anxious crowd.

Meanwhile, event organizers reported that 11,000 people turned out for opening day Friday. Saturday also saw an influx of people from AJ's to the Boathouse. Festival hours continue Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

View photos from the seafood festival and the rodeo »

CONTINUE ON FOR THE LOG'S WEEKEND STORY.

October in Destin means it’s time for fun and fish with the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo and Seafood Festival. With both events situated along Destin harbor, here is The Log’s look at what to expect.

The Fish

Fish of all kinds will take the spotlight this weekend with the Seafood Festival and opening day of the 63rd Destin Fishing Rodeo.

And when it comes to fishing the rodeo, you never know what kind of fish are going to hit the docks.

Rodeo weighmaster Bruce Cheves said 159 fish were written up on the first day of the rodeo last year.

“They were coming in with a vengeance,” Cheves said. “But you never know until it’s over.”

The scales are open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on the docks behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar throughout the month of October. And don’t forget, opening day is also Shark Saturday, where the angler with the largest shark takes home $250. So keep your eyes peeled for Jaws.

The Food

Like most would imagine, seafood is going to be the focal point during the 33rd annual Destin Seafood Festival. A long-time Destin staple, Southern Restaurant Group, will be providing a mouthwatering array of tasty treats. Each one of the company’s four restaurants will be represented under one tent.

The Back Porch will be serving its smoked tuna dip, Louisiana Lagniappe will bowl out piping hot jambalaya, Pompano Joe’s will serve “Reggae Rolls” and The Fisherman’s Wharf will offer festival goers buffalo shrimp, po-boys and fried grouper.

In addition to local’s favorite dining destinations, the festival will have a variety of booths offering everything from pizza and barbeque to funnel cakes and sno cones.

The Music

With 10 stages, 60 shows and more than 25 musical acts, this year’s Seafood Festival is straying away from the big names and letting the locals take center stage.

With local and regional favorites such as Heritage, Black Eyed Blonde, Flash Flood and Long Reef taking the spotlight, there is surely a band and musical styling that appeals to everyone.

The most familiar names on this year’s bill were Better Than Ezra front man Kevin Griffin and Collective Soul’s vocalist Ed Roland, who teamed up for an acoustic set Friday on the HarborWalk Village main stage as part of their Southern Gentlemen tour.

Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Weather

Your festival and fishing rodeo forecast for the weekend is beautiful as temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s throughout the weekend as the sun shines on Destin. With lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s, the nights should be a little cooler. According to the Weather Channel, the chance of rain is zero, so expect to see great weather and fun times at the Seafood Festival and Rodeo.

Runners and bikers

After almost two decades, the Rodeo Run is back.

Last held in 1994, the event is back on the calendar and is set to go Sunday at Clement Taylor Park. The Rodeo Run will start and end at Clement Taylor Park on Calhoun. The course will be a 3.1-mile flat course route.

Rodeo board member Kimmy Meyers, who likes to run herself, came up with the idea of doing a 5K in conjunction with the month-long fishing event.

“I think 5K races are a great way to get together with friends, have fun and raise money for good causes,” she said. “We're anticipating 250 runners; I think it's going to be bigger than we think … I'm gonna need more T-shirts.”

Runners who want to get in on the action can still register the day of the race. Check-ins will be from 6:30-7:45 a.m. at Clement Taylor Park on race day. The race starts at 8 a.m.

Meanwhile, motorists should be on the lookout for more than just runners. The 13th annual spring Thunder Beach Rally is officially underway in Panama City Beach as thousands of bikers have been cruising their way through Destin.

Parking

With more than 25,000 visitors making their way to the Seafood Festival annually, parking is always at a premium, so why not leave it to the professionals at Sunshine Shuttle and Limousine, who have been selected to provide shuttle service to the festival for the fourth year in a row.

Sunshine Shuttle will be serving two parking locations, Destin Commons and the Track, and will take attendees to and from the Festival. Wait time for the shuttle should be no more than 15 minutes and the shuttles are scheduled to be in service for the duration of the festival.

Festival Attendees can also support the Destin History and Fishing Museum and park near the festival site for a $5 donation per car.

Parking will be provided at the two parking lots adjacent to the Museum’s 108 Stahlman Avenue location behind WhatABurger on Highway 98. Alan Laird of AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar is donating the use of his lot in support of the museum.

Parking spaces will be available Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each car parked will receive a coupon for one free admission to the museum and a $5 coupon redeemable at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. Parking access will be available from Hwy. 98 across the street from AJ’s Restaurant and on Mountain Drive behind the Museum.

The Art

As the 33rd Annual Destin Seafood Festival rocks its way through the weekend, festival goers will have plenty of opportunities to find some early Christmas gifts and birthday presents as this year’s festival will have 60-75 arts and crafts vendors on site.

There will be various painters, sculptors, and jewelry makers showing off their handmade pieces. The festivals own event coordinator, Melissa Steffen, will be showcasing some of her handmade jewelry items, bookmarks and bracelets that feature Swarovski crystals.

“There are going to be a lot of talented artists,” she said.

Funky Fiddler is one of the many vendors that will be on hand and according to its Facebook page, Funky Fiddler is “a funky, eclectic shop, featuring owner/artist original sea life artwork and handcrafted jewelry by Kelli Boxberger.” Funky Fiddler also features coastal themed handmade furniture: Ice chests, filet stations, wet bars, dry bars, beer coolers, ski benches. Other vendors include Feather Frenzy, Miche, RJ Oceans and Russell Grace.

For The Kids

There is no shortage of fun for the kiddies at the festival this time around. A fishing clinic and a mingo toss will be held at the city’s Royal Melvin Heritage Park (between Dewey Destin’s and the Fisherman’s Wharf) Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm.

AJ's Annual Wagon Parade starts at 2 pm on Saturday behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. The event will have a carnival-like atmosphere centered on children. There will be a wagon boat parade, clowns and games for all.

Face painting and crafts will also be available near Harry T's. Inflatables, rides, games and fun for all ages will be featured at the Kids Zone — as well as an appearance by Sandy the Swordfish, the fest’s official mascot.