The Father’s House church in Des Allemands will host a catfish tournament Saturday with a $500 grand prize donated by KWK Crabs.
The second-place winner will receive a $75 cash prize, and the third-place winner will receive a $50 cash prize.
Other prizes will include gift cards, ice chests and tackle boxes. Plate lunches will also be sold.
Registration is $15 for participants ages 12 and younger and $20 for participants ages 13 and older. Participants may register on-site the day of the event.
The tournament will raise money for the church’s first fall fest Oct. 10-11.
Kristen Curole-Jimenez, an organizer of the event, said the day will include family-oriented music and fishermen of all ages enjoying the water.
“We hope the time before weigh-in just looks like connection and us loving on the fisherman who are such a big part of Des Allemands,” she said.
She said she hopes the event allows people to step onto the church property and feel what so many others do.
“We want to create an opportunity where we have the chance to look our neighbors in the face and tell them we love them,” she said. “That we are happy they are a part of our community; that they belong and have purpose. We want the fishing tournament to be a success, but we really want connection with people we hope will return in October and spend the weekend with us.”
The church’s October fall fest will include hayrides, food and vendor booths.
“Our church offers so much beautiful property,” she said. “A fall fest was a long time coming.”
Church member Ludy Dufrenes is the lead organizer of the event.
Curole-Jimenez said the Father’s House’s mission is to reach those who are lost, wandering or have not found their way.
“We desire to show love to those who feel unlovable and to stoop low like Jesus–entering the trenches with those in darkness,” she said. “We seek to mirror Christ in truth and in love, letting both guide every step we take.”
The church, located at 16976 US 90, offers Sunday morning services, weekly men’s and women’s groups, youth gatherings, homeschool chapel and a recovery house on church grounds.
“At the heart of everything we do is a desire for people to come to know Jesus and experience His love in a real and personal way,” Curole-Jimenez said. “Our hope is to create a community where people can belong, grow and encounter the transforming love of Christ, even if that comes through fishing tournaments and a fall fest.”