In the high heat of high noon on the harbor, foot traffic was pretty negligible this Saturday. But those in the know are counting down the mere hours until all the fun begins on Monday. The stage is set up; the scales are onsite (though not yet in place) and the portable trailer is stocked to sell everything from T-shirts ($20) to seat cushions ($7) and visors ($20).

The leader board is up, too, waiting for the first name to be written on it. Rodeo weighmaster Bruce Cheves says that’s sure to happen first thing Monday morning.

“When I come, there’s usually somebody sitting there,” Cheves said. “I’ve had five people waiting on me, arguing. ‘I was the first one!’ “No I was the first!’ ”

A “nice glass trophy” and the glory of hooking the first fish of the 59th Rodeo await the lucky angler.

- William Hatfield