DANIEL TYLER GOODEN

DESTREHAN – With Memorial Day coming soon, most people turn their thoughts toward relaxing and enjoying their long holiday weekend. The organizers of the Louisiana Sportsman’s Fishing Rodeo are looking forward to a weekend of hard work in Grand Isle. The LSI Fishing Rodeo, which is celebrating its 13th annual event, raises money for summer camps, Christmas parties, family picnics and many other activities designed for kids with cancer. Camp Challenge in Marrero is one of the main organizations which receives help from the LSI rodeo. The camp is specifically geared for children with cancer and supports their needs with a 24-hour staff of doctors and nurses. Children attending the camp learn to develop coping skills and self-confidence. They make friends and interact with other children with similar illnesses and experiences while living in a camp environment. Through the camp they develop awareness and appreciation for nature and develop concern for ecology and a desire to help preserve the earth. Activities and experiences include: roasting marshmallows, nature conservation, survival skills, tent camping, skits, songs, dance, campfires, stargazing, talent shows, hikes, animal tracks, leaf rubbing, nature games, volleyball, baseball, basketball, football, archery, swimming lessons, tie-dying, pottery, leathercrafts, drawing and more. Children ages 6 to 18 may attend at no cost to the campers. The LSI rodeo invites all fisherman, whatever their expertise, to fish for a greater cause, helping children with cancer. The rodeo starts May 25 at 12:01 a.m. and concludes the following Sunday at 3 p.m. There are three adult divisions: rod and reel, blue water and spear fishing. Children 15 and under compete in the junior division. There is also a tag-and-release division in the blue water category. As well as fishing, there will be entertainment for the whole family. On Saturday, a live band performance will take place at the Sand Dollar Marina from 6 to 11 p.m., as well as another performance at the Sand Dollar on Sunday afternoon. Adult registration is $15, with the junior division at $8. For a complete set of rules and registration call 764-2444 or 733-3515. This year’s rodeo is in tribute to Craig Guidry of Norco, who died at age 38. A founding member of the LSI Fishing Rodeo, Guidry also donated items from his business, Collage Jewelry in Destrehan, to the organization.