July Goings On

FOURTH OF JULY FISHING RODEO – June 29-July 1

Participants get the green light at 12:01 a.m. on June 29. Fishermen compete in four divisions: junior, inside, runabout and offshore. Scales are open from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 29, noon to 6 p.m. on June 30 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 1. Every child who weighs in a fish will be eligible to win one of five lifetime fishing licenses.

Quintana Landing, La. Highway 319, Cypremort Point. (337) 365-1540.

ESPN GOLF CHALLENGE – June 30

Two-man teams play a four-ball competition. Registration costs $25 plus regular green fees. Three divisions: Gross (no handicap), low net and senior net (55 and older). Participants must have a handicap registered with the USGA.

9 a.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. (337) 356-4999.

SOUTHDOWN PLANTATION MUSEUM 30TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE – June 30 FREE

Southdown Plantation House celebrates the 30 years since it opened as a museum to the public with an open house and family day. The four hours of activity include music, food, crafts, children’s activities and free tours. Food and beverages, alcoholic and not, are sold, and the Scarlett Scoop sells ice cream. Comme Cetait, The Americanos and the Bayou Eagles Native American Dance Group perform.

1 to 5 p.m., Southdown Plantation and Museum, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER ART CAMP 2012 – Through July

Students in grades 2 through 12 can take weekly classes through the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild. Topics vary but may include drawing, watercolor and acrylic painting and clay. A new topic is discussed each day. Morning classes, for second- through fourth-graders, run from 10 a.m. to noon, and evening classes, fifth-graders and older, run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is $30.

Downtown Art Gallery 630, 630 Belanger St., Houma. (985) 851-2198.

INDEPENDENCE DAY PATRIOTIC PARADE AND FIREWORKS – July 1 FREE

The annual Patriotic Parade begins at 2:30 p.m. in the school board parking lot on St. Charles Street. The parade turns on Main Street and proceeds south to Barrow Street before turning and disbanding at the Town Hall parking lot. A beauty pageant and bike race are staged at the Courtyard by Marriott in Houma, next door to the civic center. The civic center hosts music, food and games, and the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band performs at 3:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (985) 856-4750.

“LET FREEDOM RING FESTIVAL” – July 4 FREE

The music cranks on at noon, and the opening ceremony, which includes presentation of the colors by veterans, a white dove release and 21 gun salute, begins at 2 p.m. Way Down South and Treater play until 5 p.m., when an auction commences. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. There is also a military display and free patriotic gifts for children. Parking is available on Bayou Lane, at E.D. White High and Nicholls State University. Concessions are available, and barbecue pits and picnic baskets are welcome.

Peltier Park, Thibodaux. (985) 446-5237.

GOLDEN MEADOW/FOURCHON INTERNATIONAL TARPON RODEO – July 5-7

Admiral John Melancon Jr. commences this year’s rodeo at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Scales are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There’s also a cook-off and award presentation on Sunday.

Fourchon Marina, 288 Flotation Canal Road, Port Fourchon. (225) 931-7306 or www.gmfourchontarponrodeo.com.

WAVES OF THUNDER POWERBOAT RACES – July 6-8

Boat racers take their outboards to Lake Palourde. Food, drinks and t-shirts are available throughout the weekend. Saturday features live entertainment, children’s activities, historical tents and more.

Lake End Park, 2300 La. Highway 70, Morgan City. (985) 395-4905.

ATCHAFALAYA INVITATIONAL FOUR-BALL TOURNAMENT – July 6-8

Atchafalaya at Idlewild in Patterson hosts its third-annual invitational golf tournament, which is open to the public. Two-man teams play a four-ball format across four divisions: low net (handicap applies), players, seniors (50 and older) and super seniors (60 and older). Registration is $200 per person.

Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. (337) 356-4999.

PATRIOTIC CONCERT – July 7 FREE

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band performs at the JCPenney Court.

6:30 p.m., Southland Mall Shopping Center, 5953 Park Ave., Houma. (985) 637-3894 or www.htcb.org.

HUSTLE FOR RUSSELL: BENEFIT AND POKER RUN – July 8

Trapper Joe and Trigger Tommy from “Swamp People” are scheduled to attend the event, which features door prizes, an auction, live music and food. $5 entry, and a plate lunch costs $6. Registration for the poker run begins at 8 a.m. Registration costs $15 per rider and $10 per passenger, with $5 tacked on for those who want t-shirts. The benefit is for Russell DeHart Sr., a 46-year-old father of four who was diagnosed with a progressive disease from the soft tissue Sarcoma in 2010.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ward 7 Citizens Club, 5006 La. Highway 56, Chauvin. (985) 860-0059.

TOUR du TECHE III POSTER UNVEILING – July 11 FREE

Artist Michelle Fontenot unveils the official poster for Tour du Teche III at 5 p.m. and signs copies for those in attendance. Tour du Teche, the 135-mile canoe and kayak race on Bayou Teche, returns for its third year Oct. 5-7. Posters cost $25 each and can be purchased through www.tourduteche.com and www.techeproject.com after the unveiling.

4 to 6 p.m. Teche Federal Bank’s Breaux Bridge Branch, 1410 Rees St. (337) 394-6232.

INAUGURAL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA GOLF CLASSIC – July 12

Four-man scramble.

10 a.m. Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. (337) 356-4999.

BAYOU BBQ BASH – July 13-14

A state championship barbecue cook-off, sanctioned by the International BBQ Cookers Association, comes to Morgan City. Brisket, chicken, and spare ribs dot the menu. The two-day event also features a corporate team challenge, a 5K run, a car show and children’s entertainment.

Under the Bridge, Morgan City. (985) 384-3830.

CASTING FOR KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT – July 21

Weekend fishing tournament with four competitive divisions: saltwater, freshwater, offshore and children. First prize in each division is $300, and more than $10,000 in cash and prizes is awarded. Scales open at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $30.

Houma Municipal Auditorium, 880 Verret St., Houma. (985) 868-9625 or (985) 665-2628.

SOUTH LAFOURCHE HIGH SCHOOL HOOKS AND LEADERS RODEO – July 21

Bridge Side Marina, 1618 La. Highway 1, Grand Isle. (985) 787-2419.

THIBODAUX POLICE DEPARTMENT BICYCLE SAFETY RODEO – July 21 FREE

Six- to 12-year-olds are invited to participate in the bicycle safety rodeo. Activities include bike maintenance, riding safety and fundamentals. A road-safety obstacle course and other obstacles are set up for children to navigate. Kids are asked to bring their own bicycles and helmets.

8 a.m. to noon. Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium, 310 N. Canal Blvd.,Thibodaux. (985) 446-5021.

13TH ANNUAL SUMMER FUN KIDS’ DAY – July 21

Houma’s civic center is transformed into a giant playground for five hours. The party includes a rock wall, bounce houses, slides and about 40 vendors to offer services. Amanda Shaw takes the stage at noon, and live entertainment is scattered throughout the rest of the day. Scooby-Doo, of Cartoon Network fame, is also attending, as is an air-conditioned bus with several 50-inch plasma televisions for Xbox and PlayStation gaming. Admission is $2 for children aged 2-12 and $5 for adults.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (985) 850-4657.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FAIS DO-DO – July 21

Join the Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus in Dulac for French, country and Cajun music and dancing. Duet Brothers perform. The smoke- and alcohol-free event includes a $5 meal of ground meat spaghetti, rice, salad, bread, dessert and one drink. Door prizes are given and 50-50 tickets cost $1 each. $2 entry fee. Doors open at 4 p.m.

6 to 9 p.m., Knights of Columbus Home, 5396 Shrimpers Row, Dulac. (985) 851-4519.

GULF BREW 2012 – July 21

More than 100 specialty and home brews are on tap at the annual beer festival in downtown Lafayette. A brewer’s tent, gaming area, three live bands and a deejay set up shop in the park. Admission is limited to those 21 and older. Tickets range from $25 to $75, and a designated driver (non-taster) ticket is available for $15.

6 to 9 p.m. Parc International, 200 Garfield St., Lafayette. (337) 233-7060.

LA. DENTAL ASSOCIATION FISHING RODEO – July 21-23

Sand Dollar Marina, 158 Sand Dollar Ct., Grand Isle. (985) 787-2500.

GRAND ISLE INTERNATIONAL TARPON RODEO – July 26-28

The Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion opens at 11 a.m. each day and hosts food, merchandise, educational booths and live music. It’s also the location of children’s crab races, parties and late night entertainment. The awards presentation is Saturday night at 8 p.m.

Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, Grand Isle. (504) 615-0099.

DOWNTOWN LIVE AFTER 5 – July 27 FREE

Crush takes the stage at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs.

5 to 10 p.m., Houma Courthouse, 7856 Main St. www.houmamainstreet.org or (985) 873-4608.

ELS FOR AUTISM GOLF TOURNAMENT – July 27

Two-man teams play a four-ball format. Handicaps apply. The winning team is invited to compete in Las Vegas, where the winner is awarded with a trip to South Africa to play with Ernie Els. Registration costs $300 per person.

10 a.m. Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. (985) 295-4653.

DENISE P. BREAUX MEMORIAL REDFISH DERBY – July 28

$100 per boat.

Quintana Landing, La. Highway 319, Cypremort Point. (337) 380-5411.

Houma’s Independence Day celebration is July 1. Thibodaux hosts its event on the Fourth.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center hosts its 13th-annual Summer Fun Kids’ Day July 21.

COURTESY PHOTO