Lee Adam Landry says he has always been a Country Boy. A Highland farmer, he grew corn, potatoes, and cotton. In 1962, he married Beverly Sonnier Landry and the two have\three children, Blaine and Ivan Landry and Frances Landry LeBlanc. They also have six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. But horses were his true passion. He recalls having had horses and mules most of his life, and a period of approximately 11 years even bred and raised thoroughbred race horses.
In 1975, his love of horses led him to become a part of the Calcasieu Parish Junior. Sheriff’s Posse Organization, under the direction of Sheriff Ham Reid. As part of a team of 5-6 teachers, Lee helped train approximately 25 children ranging in age from 8-15 years old. The training sessions were held once per week where the kids were taught equine riding drills and team formations with their horses. In Lee’s group there were also 2 special needs children that the teachers took extra special care and time with time with, something Lee remembers fondly. The weeks of hard work and dedication by the kids and teachers alike would be shown off as they performed impressive equine drills at events, parades and rodeos throughout the state of Louisiana.
In 1983, Lee teamed up with his father-in-law, Cyrus Sonnier and another relative, Willis Chaisson to form a trail riding group called the “The W & L Riders”, named to represent the towns from which the founders hailed, which were Welsh and Lacassine, Louisiana. Over time, the group who met once per week for rides throughout Acadiana would grow to about 100 members. Lee served as president of the W & L Riding Club for about 10 years.
He continued to participate in various trail rides and Mardi Gras run celebrations on horseback until his retirement from riding in 2015.
Lee will officially preside over this year's rodeo parade, as marshal. The parade, which officially kicks off the 84th Annual SWD Rodeo rolls South down Ryan Street at 5pm today.It starts at the intersection of Lagrange and ends at McNeese Stadium. For more information visit http://www.lakecharlesrodeo.com.
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Bring the whole family to line the streets for the annual Western Heritage Parade, as we celebrate the return of the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo to Lake Charles! Individuals, groups, and organizations are invited to take part in this one of a kind tribute to the history and pageantry of our rodeo heritage. The parade begins at the corner of Lagrange and Patrick Street, travels west on Lagrange to Ryan Street, and then south on Ryan Street to McNeese stadium. Then be sure to join us later that evening for the opening performance of the 84th annual Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo - The Greatest Show on Dirt!
Lee Adam Landry named 2023 SWD Rodeo Parade Marshal
Due to parade permitting constraints that are beyond our control, horses other than those in the pre-approved SWD Rodeo Trail Riding group are not permitted to be entered in the parade. We thank you for your understanding in this matter. For information on joining this group for future events and parades, please contact us at (337) 802-4879.
Thursday, February 2nd, 5:00PM