Monday, November 8, 2010

Mayor’s opening Seafood Festival remarks

47th Annual Florida Seafood Festival
November 5 - 6, 2010
Apalachicola Battery Park
Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor
Welcome Remarks & Introduction of Royalty



I welcome each of you to the 47th Annual Florida Seafood Festival and to the historic City of Apalachicola, a Distinctive Designation.

We gather over this cool autumn weekend to celebrate Florida’s oldest maritime event, and to pay tribute to our real unsung heroes - the men and women who for generations have made their living from the waters of the Apalachicola River, Bay and Gulf of Mexico.

I’m reminded of the scripture - which spoke of the time when the Son of God set about to choose his disciples - he first went into the coastal communities and chose fishermen.

I can only imagine - that he was looking for men who didn’t fear falling or failing - but had the ability to weather any storm and rebound from adversity.

If Christ were seeking out disciples today - He would most certainly find himself on the seashore of Apalachicola - because there’s no doubt, that we have such men and women in our midst.

Two of which can be found here this afternoon representing the seafood community as this year’s Festival Royalty.

Serving as our 2010, King Retsyo is Rex Pennycuff. Rex is an Eastpoint businessman with deep ties to the seafood industry and standing next to him is Ciara Moore who is serving as this year’s Miss Florida Seafood Festival. Ciara also hails from a lineage of men and women who have made their living from the waters of the Apalachicola Bay.

As we rise to the occasion to recognize and welcome our 2010 Royalty - we do so both humbled and thankful to almighty God for watching over our lives and for placing a hedge of protection around our livelihood the Apalachicola Bay Estuary.

Ladies and gentlemen - I now proudly present - your 2010 Florida Seafood Festival Royalty.

May I have a round of applause?

Photo by Link Carroll
Video by Gail D. Johnson

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