Cameron LNG pitches in to rebuild the Hackberry rodeo arena

Before Hurricane Rita, competitive high school rodeo in Cameron Parish was alive and well with the Hackberry School arena holding a popular, exciting and well-attended Louisiana High School qualifying rodeo each year. Today, nearly two years post-Hurricane Rita, the damaged arena and associated structures are getting a helping hand from Cameron LNG. The company and its employees will assist in the rebuilding of the Hackberry Rodeo Arena and concession stand which provided a valuable source of income for the local chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Hackberry School's existing concession stand will be renovated as part of the upgrade plan for the rodeo arena.

“This arena is not only a centerpiece of this community, but an important part of our students’ core curriculum in agricultural science and math,” says Kevin Moreau, a vocational agriculture teacher at Hackberry School. “We plan to use this facility for student events like livestock shows, exhibits and competitions.”

While Cameron Parish received Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to repair part of the facility, developing a plan to oversee the construction effort proved to be a challenging task for the school’s officials. By providing project management experience for the rebuilding project, Cameron LNG will work with the Cameron Parish School District and local FFA supporters to utilize funding in the best possible way. Just a few of the projects being considered include repairing or replacing the perimeter fencing, arena lighting, sound system, bleachers, announcer stand and pole barn.

In addition, Cameron LNG provided a contribution to refurbish the concession stand. According to Randy Oakley, plant manager for Cameron LNG, the first order of business was to assess the existing stand and determine the best approach to putting the facility back into operation.

“We continue to look for ways we can assist the Hackberry community in recovery efforts,” said Oakley. “We saw an opportunity to get involved and lend a helping hand. Once the repairs are complete, the rodeo arena and concession stand will reprise its role as a source of fun for the entire community.”