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.
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- Terrieha Romer, Carol Anne Barnes, Mick Essex and Amy Jabbia
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- Jennifer Thompson and Evan Falcon
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- Ryan Hall, Dan Wood, Brenda Hilburn, Ann Breard, Emery Wood and Jimmy Spencer
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- Stacie Choate, Candi Hatch, Mary Linda Huggins, Todd Watson, Jo Traylor, Penny Schwich, and Jessica Peel
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- Sid Green, Mark Anderson and Wyman Mardis
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- Michael Sandifer and Ben Rogers
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- Thom Rogers, Julius Paddie, Jeff Jopling and Ryan Lee
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- Mary Burris and Nancy Alexander with Shoney and Gabby
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- Sherri Tray Lot, Simons Rodriguez, Carol Cook, Jeff Lenard and Dawn Lenard
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- Meghan Kelly and Patrick Pierce
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- Ben Rogers, Joei Brown and CeCe Weaver
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- Mick Essex, Lisa Ellington and Tim Jones
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- Sami and Tara Beekman, Jake and Jenny Wallace, Kara Platt, Mark Smith and Heather Quick
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- Cassie Livingston and Mary Napoli
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- Gracey Avery and Paige Parks
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- Natalie White, Elise and Leigh Rodgers
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- John Bruscatto, Rebecca Anzalone, Kristy Rizzo, Kevin Caston, Delia Simpson and Anthony Perkins
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- Lacie Blair, Josh and Leslie Culp
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- Savannah and Kerry Frantz
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- Ann and Chap Breard and Dan Woods
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- Ryan and Kate Hammock, Jeff Johnson, Leslie and Nick Oglesby and Holly and Joey Trappey
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- Terrieha Romer, Billy Justice and Carol-Anne Barnes
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- Matthew Frisch and Tess Wilks
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- Scarlett Holland and Matthew Garcia
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- Andrew Moffett, Matthew Garica, Scarlett Holland, Melanie Moffett, Toni Navarro, Rebecca and Charlie Duke, Patrick Pierce
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- Andrew and Melanie Moffett
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