Esma Orgeron
July 2, 2007
NSU business college dean elected to state CPA board
July 4, 2007
When most people approach their 86th birthday, it’s usually assumed that their best years have already passed.
As the Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo approaches the milestone, however, event coordinator Angela Pacaccio can’t help but think that the tournament’s best years are still ahead.
“This rodeo has grown by leaps and bounds since I started helping out 14 years ago,” she said. “It’s a very, very neat experience for children up to adults.”
The International Tarpon Rodeo, the oldest fishing tournament in the nation, makes its annual return to Grand Isle July 26-28.
The weekend event will feature its usual lineup of good food, good entertainment and good angling.
“We’ll have anywhere from 3,000 to 3,500 entrants in the fishing rodeo and as many as 20,000 people who will enjoy festivities on the island,” Pacaccio explained. “It’s very popular.”
In addition to tarpon, the tournament will also contain a variety of catch categories that include black and yellow fin tuna, dolphin, wahoo and tripletail.
The largest tarpon of the 2006 rodeo belonged to Tom Preston of Houston, Texas. His 170.5-pound fish earned him a first-place trophy.
“Anytime you have a fishing tournament like this one, bragging rights play a big role,” said James Jett, a key supporter who is helping organize the rodeo. “The tournament has been around so long, so it’s very competitive. But since there are no cash prizes, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed.”
The Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo introduced itself to southern Louisiana in 1928. Since then, it has withstood the test of time to become the largest saltwater tournament in the nation.
But it has also evolved into a community celebration. Fishing is obviously the headliner, but attendees can also enjoy musical entertainment each evening. A disc jockey will perform for the rodeo crowd Thursday night, and The Top Hats will follow Friday and Saturday.
Children can enjoy three days of crab races and a visit from the Zoomobile, compliments of the Audubon Institute of New Orleans.
And a relatively new pavilion, equipped with a stage and air conditioning, will house a multitude of arts-and-crafts and food vendors.
“In the past, our festivities were held under a big circus tent,” Pacaccio said. “It’s good we have a permanent facility now because we will no longer have to worry about bad weather. In my past 14 years, I’m very proud to be a part of bringing the entire operation from a big tent to a pavilion.”
Jett added that although the pavilion was donated for the Tarpon Rodeo, “it can be used by (Jefferson) Parish for a lot of other things throughout the year.”
The entry fee for the Tarpon Rodeo is $30. All entrants will be eligible for a grand-prize drawing of a boat and a trailer.
Children 13-and-under can compete in the tournament free of charge.
For more information, visit www.tarponrodeo.org.
Heritage is important to Ted Falgout.
That’s why he encourages anglers of all ages to experience the 60th Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo, which runs July 5-7.
“This is one of the oldest rodeos in the south and it has a very colorful history,” explained Falgout, who will serve as the tournament’s honorary admiral. “It’s easy to get too busy to take the time off to enjoy something like this. Unless we support these activities and bring our children, an important piece of our heritage could be lost.”
A registration fee of $20 entitles adults to compete for trophies in big game, shoreline, inside and scuba diving divisions. Entrance fee for a 12-and-under children’s division is $10.
Rodeo festivities include food, live music by DNA, and tours of Port Fourchon, America’s busiest Intermodal Energy Port.
For more information, call Falgout at 985-632-6701 or visit www.gmfourchontarponrodeo.com.
Upcoming fishing rodeos:
July 5-7
Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo
Port Fourchon Boat Launch
For information, call Becky Garza at (985) 693-4226
July 7-8
Freeman Rodeo
Bridgeside Marina in Grand Isle
For more information, (985) 787-2419
July 13-14
Krewe of Bayou Petit Caillou Fishing Rodeo
Terry Lapeyrouse’s Seafood Bar and Grocery in Chauvin
For more information, call Wally Pellegrin at (985) 232-3416
July 13-14
Baker-Hughes Rodeo (invitation only)
Bridgeside Marina in Grand Isle
For more information, (985) 787-2419
July 13-14
Redstick Fly Fishers Rodeo
Blue Dolphin Inn in Grand Isle
For more information, call (985) 938-2057
July 13-15
Seventh annual LDA Fishers Rodeo
Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle
For more information, call (985) 787-2500
July 21
IFA Redfish Tour
Bridgeside Marina in Grand Isle
For more information, (985) 787-2419
July 22
Media Bass Open
Bayou Black Marina in Gibson
July 26-28
86th annual Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo
Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle
For more information, call (985) 787-2500
