Executive classroom honors area car dealer
July 1, 2008
Robert Edwin Crane Jr.
July 3, 2008
One of the oldest fishing rodeos on the Gulf, the Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo, returns for its 61st year July 3-5 at Port Fouchon’s public boat launch.
Davie Breaux, port operations director, is admiral for the 2008 event.
“This rodeo is about family, friends and fishing,” he said. “It means more than just ‘catching the big one.’ It is about the memories that we make.”
The event was first suggested in 1948 over an afternoon drink at a local bar. Little did that group of local men know that their idea would still be around over a half-century later.
Breaux said it is important to keep the traditions and history of the rodeo alive.
“We want to tell everybody to make every effort to participate in this worthwhile effort,” he said. “Bring a family member or friend with you so that this important piece of our heritage is not lost.”
Also during the rodeo, the Port Fourchon staff will conduct free tours of the port. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the world-class energy support base. Tours will be given on the hour on Saturday, July 5, from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo is a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to eligible students at South Lafourche High School in Galliano.
The cost to register in adult divisions is $20 ($21 online) and $10 for the children’s divisions ($11 online). Ticket sales close at 10 a.m. Saturday.
For a complete list of rules and regulations, visit the rodeo Web site at www.gmfourchontarponrodeo.com.
The 87th annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo kicks off July 24-26 at the Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle.
The weekend draws thousands of fishermen and spectators to the island every year.
Roughly 3,000 people are expected to attend this year, event organizers predict. More than just a fishing rodeo, the grounds are chock full of live music, food, children’s crab races, fireworks and more.
Grand Isle mayor David Carmardelle, said despite having over 20 rodeos in the summer, the International Tarpon Rodeo is the “granddaddy of them all.”
“It’s the largest saltwater rodeo in the country,” he said. “Our businesses depend on the rodeo. The revenue they bring in allows them to survive in the winter months when things are a little slow.”
He added, “It’s well established. We built a brand new air-conditioned pavilion after Katrina and it’s something that the community looks forward to every year.”
The mayor also wants everyone to know that the beach will be open in spite of dredging that has recently been taking place.
The Topcats will perform at the end of the day both Friday and Saturday. Friday night, fireworks light up the beach.
Souvenir T-shirts are available at the Sureway Supermarket in Grand Isle and at the rodeo.
For more information about the rodeo, check out the Web site at www.tarponrodeo.org or call (504) 736-6405.
Fishermen in area tarpon rodeos offload their day’s catch.
