Grand Prairie, Louisiana – The 2018 Fall Grand is one of two semiannual International Grand Hunts conducted by the Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. International Grand Hunt Committee. The Grand takes place at selected host HRC Club locations, and this year it’s headed to Cajun Country! The upcoming October 6-10, 2018 competition, hosted by the Cajun Retriever Club, will take place in and around the rural community of Grand Prairie, Louisiana.

The Grand is a hunting test for Hunting Retriever Champions (HRCH) during which actual hunting conditions found throughout the country are duplicated. The successful completion of two of these Grand tests will qualify a Hunting Retriever Champion for the UKC title of Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (GRHRCH). Now, after sixty-one of these competitions have been held across the United States, Southwest Louisiana will welcome a record-breaking entry of 582 dogs and their 375 handlers. Also in attendance will be HRC officials, dog owners and spectators who appreciate the skill of retrieval and the sport of hunting.

Prior to the start date, participants from not only the US but also Canada will be getting to know more about St. Landry Parish, as they familiarize themselves with the backroads most will be traveling. Accommodations throughout the Parish have rooms and sites already booked and more are expected. Stores and restaurants are encouraged to prepare for an increase in sales, as arrivals will begin the last week of September for a two and a half week span.  “Needless to say that this event will have a tremendous impact on our local economy”, sited Celeste Gomez, SLPTC Director. “And we want to ensure that all experience the things we are known for around the world – our food, music, and friendliness.”

This event is open to the public, but spectators are asked to dress in dark colored clothing or camouflage. The exact locations will be in the Grand Prairie and Washington, LA vicinity and marked in time for the competition. For more information contact Cajun Retriever Club member, Ken Vidrine, at 337-351-1538.

The St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting tourism in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. The St. Landry Parish Visitor Center and Commission offices are located in Opelousas, LA off of Interstate 49, at Exit 23.