BATON ROUGE — Pipeliners, welders, operators, contractors and manufacturers gathered from across Louisiana for a day of crew appreciation at the Pipeline Life's Pipeliners Tour Bayou Rally on Sunday at Tom Waters Boots, Clothes and Optical.

Attendees enjoyed a welding rig truck competition that showcased different rigs from around the state as well as a celebration for Tom Waters' 85th birthday. Waters' glasses have become a part of pipeline culture across the country.

The tour gave crews a place to reconnect outside the jobsite while giving businesses an opportunity to meet the people who use their services. 

"Pipeline crews put in long hours and spend a lot of time away from home," said Melanie Baxter, the founder of the Pipeliners Tour. "The Tour gives them a day to catch up with friends, bring their families and be around people who understand that life."