Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Welcome Reception Gets the Party Started!
Several hundred sports enthusiasts and area residents enjoyed the opportunity to meet this year’s inductees into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame at the welcome reception for the LSHOF’s 2023 class held Thursday, July 27. The event, a fun local tradition, was free and open to the public and was an excellent opportunity to meet some of our state’s sports legends. The induction events are a true community effort with volunteers from the community, NSU, and the museum’s FLASH organization assisting in making the evening a memorable event.
The official portraits of each inductee were on display for the first time to the general public. Each portrait shows the inductee in the context of his or her sport and is a tradition of the Hall of Fame. In addition, a silent auction of donated items and sports memorabilia helped raise funds for the organization. This year’s reception featured a special treat for the football fans. Billy Cannon’s 1959 Heisman Trophy is on loan to the LSHOF.
The festivities are far from finished. Friday will feature the BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash as well as a concert along the riverbank complete with signature Natchitoches quality fireworks show. The younger set will have a Fun Zone sponsored by the Louisiana Propane Dealers; Association to enjoy at Friday evening’s events. Saturday morning will feature the Junior Training Camp on the NSU campus in which young people will be able to test their abilities, win prizes and learn what it takes to succeed on-and off-the playing field. The weekend will culminate at the induction dinner Saturday evening at the Natchitoches Events Center.
