GRAND ISLE AID FESTIVAL

The BP Oil Spill may have canceled the annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, but they're going to rock on at an Island Aid Festival on Saturday. For $10, you can attend the benefit for the newly formed Grand Isle Alive Fund, and hear Three Dog Night, LeAnn Rimes and The Little River Band along with local talent Doug Kershaw, Amanda Shaw, The Topcats, The Wiseguys and Hurricane Levee Band. In addition to the two stages, food, crafts and clothing will be sold on the beach across from the Community Center.
Established in 1928, the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo was the oldest annual fishing rodeo in the United States. Tickets to Island Aid will be sold at the gates which open at 10 a.m., and bands will play until 8 p.m., rain or shine.

The event's web site asks that you leave your ice chests, umbrellas, video cameras, pets, food, beverage and bicycles at home, but I would suggest that you bring your dancing shoes. An artwork by Christy Works-Boutte will be auctioned. Benefit posters of her work are available for $30 so order one and crank up Little River Band "Cool Change" if you can only be there in spirit.