Madi McEver, Campus Carrier Entertainment Editor
Jase Robertson from the hit TV series “Duck Dynasty” visited Rome last weekend to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rome Area Youth for Christ. I had the opportunity to attend this event and learn a little bit more about the man behind the beard.
Around 4,000 people gathered at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves, to hear what Jase had to say.
If you have never seen or heard of “Duck Dynasty,” it is essentially a television series about a family that runs a successful duck call fabrication business. The head of the family, Phil Robertson, created the first double-reed duck call to ever be produced. Because of the superior sound and quality of the product, the business has seen great success.
Of course, if the show only focused on the production of duck calls, it is unlikely that its popularity would be so widespread. What the viewers seem to enjoy most are the hilarious antics of the Robertson clan. Each episode is centered on some sort of everyday activity that usually goes horribly awry.
One of my favorite episodes aired a few weeks ago, and featured Jase and his children moving in with younger brother Willie’s family while Jase’s home was under construction and his wife was out of town. Things went south when Jase filled Willie’s bathtub with crawfish and butchered a beaver in the kitchen sink. By the end of every episode, everyone resolves their conflicts and the entire family sits around the table thanking God for their blessings as the credits roll.
Many people wonder if the Robertson family is actually the same as they are portrayed on television. After listening to Jase Robertson speak on his life, faith, family and hobbies, I can say with confidence that the show is quite accurate.
“He has been one of the most friendly, nicest guys imaginable,” Eric Gillis, Executive Director of Rome Area Youth for Christ, said.
Robertson shared many heartfelt and meaningful thoughts with the audience, with many comedic moments sprinkled throughout.
“There is a place in our society for people without beards. It’s called the ladies’ room,” Robertson said.
He continued to entertain the crowd with impressive duck call demonstrations and three reasons why everyone needs a beard, garnering chuckles from the crowd by noting that when you have a beard, nobody will ever try to mug you.
Of his family, Robertson said, “Lots of people ask me if [Uncle] Si is really that crazy…WAY worse.”
Overall, the crowd seemed to enjoy Jase’s commentary on ducks, family, and faith.
“[The event] went better than we could have hoped,” Gillis said.
If you are interested in watching the shenanigans of the Robertson family, “Duck Dynasty” airs at 10 p.m. Wednesdays on A&E.
