Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association

LDAfishing rodeoMeghan SpeakesLDA InternSpicy food, cold beer and stiff competition were allon the menu July 11th and 12th when nearly 100people from across the state met in Grand Isle for theeighth annual LDA Membership Fishing Rodeo. Thirtytwodentists attended and brought along their familyand friends with hopes of taking home the prize for thebiggest catch and, more importantly, bragging rightsfor their component.2008 Fishing Rodeo – A Real Catch forDentists, Family and Friends!Above: Paul Gant (left) and Dr. Nelson Daly (righstand with their fish and Dr. David Kestel, whosefish was helf-eaten by a shark before he could evenit in. Right: The weekend’s prize-winners pose withhard-earned loot. Back row, from left: Dr. David KBarré, Ricky Hope, Jr. Dr. Sean Smith, Dr. MichaelTrey Palmisano, Dr. Andre Bruni, Dr. Vance Costello. Front row, from left: BrookeBarré, Joel Mayer, Kennedy Achord, Caroline Garrett, Dr. Luke St. Pierre.The fishing began early in the morning as men,women and children all piled into their boats, rodsand reels in hand, and headed out for a long day onthe water. Registrants were allowed to weigh their fishat any time between noon and 5 p.m. to have thementered into the various categories.As always, it is important to acknowledge the Rodeo’sgenerous sponsors, whose donations help fund LDAevents and keep the registration costs low for members.Robert Ellis and Associates was the event partner,Fishing Rodeo attendees (from left) Dr. Cleveland Carpenter, Richard Hope,Cynthia Hope, Ricky Hope Jr. and Angelle Carpenter enjoy the Saturday nightfish fry sponsored by Henry Schein and Campus Federal Credit Union.and they also provided the boat for the three seniordents, Chuck Soileau, Ken DuBois, Ryanng and Anne DuBois, student hygienist.riday’s welcome reception wasnsored by the Louisiana Armyional Guard and Patterson Dentalvided hamburgers, hotdogs and coldks. Saturday, the attendees enjoyed aconsisting of jambalaya, catfish filets,imp, white beans and rice and greenAwards Ceremony sponsored bynd Campus Federal Credit Union.Other sponsors included Irwin Dental Lab, DentsplyCaulk, KaVo and Benco.Door prizes were distributed throughout the weekend;some were geared toward dentists and others were moregeneral. Prizes were also given to winners of the rodeoincluding an outdoor cooker, an LSU fishing rod, largenets, walkie talkies, a nightlight and a variety of others.Overall, the weekend was a great success. Fish werecaught, prizes were won, memories were made andGreater Baton Rouge won the coveted “Best Fishermanin the State” Award. Additional photos are available onthe LDA Web site, www.ladental.org.22 LDA Journal