A Tribute to Big Daddy

Nolan Norman – The Man! The Legacy!

Big Daddy came from a very poor background, growing up in the community known and loved as the Prairie, or Extension, LA. He later moved to Wisner, where he and Ms. Liz raised their seven children and grandchildren. He lived for his community, and Wisner was everything to him. In 2007, when the Mayor dedicated this park and proclaimed the first Saturday in July as Nolan Norman Day in Wisner in recognition of his many community contributions, it was a fitting tribute to the man everyone had come to love, respect, and cherish.

Many people have fond memories of Big Daddy and the legacy he left behind: his baseball teams; his domino tournaments; the countless fish fries he hosted to raise money; the trips he organized to Winnsboro for voter registration; the trips he coordinated to take citizens, especially senior citizens, to vote; Vacation Bible School time – he ensured every child who wanted to attend made it there; raising funds for the community he nicknamed the Ponderosa; fighting hard for the Wisner schools and the minority kids and teachers; passionately working to improve the communities in Wisner, including the Ponderosa, No Man's Land, Shugar Hill, Elam, and out back of Wisner; keeping his door and heart open to ANYONE – day and night; operating his gas station and wrecker service to serve anyone in north Louisiana and beyond; and coordinating the best blues concerts that Two Miles Inn and Head's Palladium in Monroe, LA had ever seen back in the day.

Big Daddy and Ms. Liz gained the respect of the surrounding community because he did all these things without seeking fame or fortune, only asking that much be given to ALL. His strength and support were invaluable to the community, inspiring current and future generations. His commitment to family, friends, and community will never be forgotten!

The 16th Annual Nolan Norman Day in the Park is on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Gates open at 2:00 PM, and the show starts at 5:00 PM at Nolan Norman Park, 300 Prairie Rd., Wisner, LA 71378. The event features performances by Tucka, Sir Charles, Ghetto Cowboy, Jaye Hammer, Summer Wolf, Keith Frank, Jeff Floyd, Rhomey, Fat Daddy, Nathaniel Kimble, and Veronica Ra'Elle.

The event is RV, tent, and cooler friendly. Limited $15 presale tickets are available at Smokers Paradise, 3412 DeSiard St., Monroe, LA; Bud's Mini Mart in Rayville, LA; and T&M Store, Winnsboro, LA. Hosted by Silas White. For more information, call (318)557-8447.