It’s summertime and the kids are out of school. Before the first, “I’m bored,” pops out of someone’s mouth, let me be the first (or 20th) to say there will be plenty of sports activities you can entertain your children with this summer.
Like fishing? Then this weekend has just the event for you and your kids. The fifth annual Youth Fishing Rodeo will be held at Lake Bill Waller on Saturday. Each year since its inception it has grown. The event is sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.
While we’re talking about lakes, let not forget there’s plenty of fishing and boating to do on other area lakes including almost right across the road from Lake Bill Waller at Lake Columbia. Summer is a great time to be out on the water, but remember to be safe and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Also at nearby Lake Walthall, the fishing is good and the scenery equally enjoyable. Recently I watched the sunset over that particular lake and saw many families heading in from a day of fishing at dusk.
But there’s also a lot to do if you want to get away for a day.
I recently spent a Sunday afternoon in Biloxi at MGM Park watching the hometown Biloxi Shuckers baseball team take on the Mississippi Braves. If you’ve haven’t been to a minor league game recently, they’re a lot of fun. Tickets start at only about $10, and the seats are close to the field. The Shuckers are a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate, so there’s a taste of Brewtown at the concession stand as the famous Milwaukee Brewers beer-soaked bratwurst is available for purchase. Trust me, I know it’s there, I had one.
Also on my summer agenda is a trip to Jackson to see the Mississippi Braves at home at Trustmark Park. It’s another great venue to watch baseball. My first attempt to see a game this year was ruined by weather; tornadoes to be exact, as three warnings forced the teams from the field before the second inning began.
Minor league baseball is fun because you’re closer to the field and the players, and it’s got a big plus in costs going for it. Generally, the parking is free and the tickets are in the $10 range. The food is also a lot cheaper than say a major league ballpark. You can take the entire family to the M-Braves or the Shuckers for the cost of a third-base box seat in Atlanta, Cincinnati, St. Louis or any other major league town. We won’t even discuss parking in major league venues.
The big thing is to get out and enjoy summer with your children or grandchildren and make sports a part of their lives.
Whether on the lake or at the ballpark, enjoy your summer and spend time with the kids; they grow up too quickly.
