1
Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival The boats returned to Bayou DeSiard for another year, in what has quickly become one of Monroe's signature events. The Third Annual Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival was held May 17, and thousands turned out to watch more than ten teams compete for the top prize--bragging rights as the top Dragon Boat team of the year. The Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival is organized each year to raise funds for a local charity. Festival organizer Ashley Yeldell said this year's charity was PAWS of Northeast Louisiana. "Last year, the proceeds went to Monroe Renaissance for the revitalization and beautification of downtown Monroe, and we're excited to give to PAWS this year, as they continue to raise money needed for a community spay and neuter clinic." The ancient sport of dragon boat racing originated in China. Teams of 20 rowers follow the lead of the drummer and captain to be the fastest boat in "heats"--races following a specific course where the winner is determined by best time. This year, bragging rights went to the Gorilla Fitness "Team Willpower" crew, who finished the final heat with a blazing hot time of just 56 seconds.
2
4
3
On the BayouScene
1 Sami and Tara Beekman, Jake and Jenny Wallace, Kara Platt, Mark Smith and Heather Quick 2 Mary Burris and Nancy Alexander with Shoney and Gabby 3 Ben Rogers, Joei Brown and CeCe Weaver 4 Sid Green, Mark Anderson and Wyman Mardis 5 Jennifer Thompson and Evan Falcon 6 Ryan and Kate Hammock, Jeff Johnson, Leslie and Nick Oglesby and Holly and Joey Trappey 7 Thom Rogers, Julius Paddie, Jeff Jopling and Ryan Lee 8 Michael Sandifer and Ben Rogers 9 Mick Essex, Lisa Ellington and Tim Jones 10 Lacie Blair, Leslie and Josh Culp 11 Gracey Avery and Paige Parks 12 Terrieha Romer, Carol Anne Barnes, Mick Essex and Amy Jabbia 13 Front row: Stacie Choate, Candi Hatch and 8 Mary Linda Huggins; Back row: Todd Watson, Jo Traylor, Penny Schwich, Jessica Peel 14 Ryan Hall, Dan Wood, Brenda Hilburn, Ann Breard, Emery Wood and Jimmy Spencer 15 Savannah and Kerry Frantz 16 Natalie White, Elise and Leigh Rodgers 17 John Bruscatto, Rebecca Anzalone, Kristy Rizzo, Kevin Caston, Delia Simpson and Anthony Perkins 19 Andrew Moffett, Matthew Garcia, Scarlett Holland, Melanie Moffett, Toni Navarro, Rebecca and Charlie Duke, Patrick Pierce 112 JULY 2014 | WW W. B AY OU LI FE MAG . CO M
5
6
9
7