Tarpon Rodeo set for July 3-5

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 Fourchon’s public boat launch in Fourchon.

Davie Breaux, the operations director of Port Fourchon, is the 2008 event’s Admiral.

“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 location. Visitors will have the opportunity to see 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.

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.