JENNINGS — The ninth annual Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home Fishing Rodeo will be 9:30-11 a.m. Oct. 8 at the veterans home,1610 Evangeline Road.
“This is the biggest non-holiday family day for the veterans,” said activity director Kaly Gist. “They wait on this day every year. They can’t wait to see who King Fisherman is going to be because that’s bragging rights forevermore.”
The fish are weighed, with prizes awarded for first, second and third place and for the smallest and ugliest fish. The veteran catching the biggest fish receives a trophy and is crowned King Fisherman.
Veteran Ernie Whatley won the title last year after catching a three-pound catfish. He is looking to retain the title this year.
“I love fishing,” Whatley said. “I’d stay on the pond 24 hours a day if I could. I was always a big fisherman. Even as a kid if anybody said anything about fishing, I was gone. I can’t wait to get my line in this year.”
Veteran L.J. Menard has been feeding the fish twice a week. He will stop feeding them in late September to get them ready for the rodeo. “I’d like to be able to say I caught the biggest one,” Menard said. “I’m still looking for it.”
The home’s nearly three-acre pond is stocked with catfish, Gist said. “Being able to get out there and fish is pure joy and happiness for most of our veterans,” she said.
Veterans begin practicing casting their lines and getting their fishing gear ready well in advance, she said. “It’s something they look forward to because it’s competitive and their families come out,” she said. “It’s a huge family day for them.”
The fishing rodeo also attracts dozens of volunteers, including the Jeff Davis Parish Junior 4-H Leaders, Elton Future Farmers of America and BETA clubs.
“The veterans love spending time with the kids, and the kids love watching them fish,” said Julie Benoit, assistant activities director.
Area car and motorcycle clubs also help out with the event and display their vehicles.
“A lot of these groups come out to help the veterans fish, but they also line up their cars and motorcycles for the veterans to see,” Gist said. “I want to see the pond lined with them for the veterans to look at because they love it.”
In addition to the fishing and car show there will be a fish fry and pizza provided by Wal-Mart employees.
Music will be provided by Bayou Crossroads, a band from Acadiana that plays zydecajun, country, swamp pop and classic rock.
Car clubs, motorcycle groups and others wishing to volunteer may call Gist, Benoit or Libby Fontenot at 824-2829, ext. 146 or 147.
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