Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

The weather has put a damper on some fireworks shows and caused others to be postponed, but the show will go on for the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Gulfport.

It’s not every day you get to see and touch a 675 pound shark, but Tuesday 13-year-old Kolleen McCaleb did just that at the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Her friend Gannon Hall opted to just enjoy the view. “He wanted to go look at the fish and stuff. I just touched the fish. He didn’t want to because he’s a scaredy cat,” said Kolleen.

The 675 pound tiger shark is in the lead for the $25,000 prize, but there’s still time. Weigh-in at the scales continues until 4 p.m. Wednesday. Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo President Richie Valdez said, “The fisherman fish for free, the big bounties. You know you’re fishing for $50,000 and you did not pay a thing to register. We solely are reliable on the crowds that come in to help pay for this.”

Valdez says the past five days of stormy weather have put a damper on the turnout and revenue needed to be reeled in for the event. “The city, I’m not sure of the number they spend. I want to say $15,000. I am sure. The rodeo, as a whole, the six day rodeo, we’re probably looking around $160,000 to put this whole event on. It’s all to put back into the community. That’s why we do it.”

Rain or shine, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show will go on. Lighting up the night skies at 9 p.m. Wednesday. “You can actually check out the fireworks show at the pavilion. We have a big, open area right here and the fireworks are shot just right out in front of you. Great view from here. It’s all safe, barricaded in.”

You can also catch a good view anywhere along Highway 90 near the Gulfport Harbor and Jones Park.