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VPVFD holds annual fund drive

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

The Ville Platte Volunteer Fire Department invites the community to participate in its Annual Fund Drive as Fire Prevention Week will be held October 4 through October 10. The theme of this week is “Safe Charging Is A Superpower.”

Queen Cotton LXXI Chloe Lynn Guilbeau

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Outgoing Queen Cotton LXXI Chloe Lynn Guilbeau has had an amazing year representing the Louisiana Cotton Festival as Queen Cotton LXXI and shares, “I have not held any other titles prior to this one, and I am incredibly grateful that this title has been my one...

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A brief history of La. Cotton Festival

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

Ville Platte is the home of the fall festival known as the Louisiana Cotton Festival and Le Tournoi de la Ville Platte, held each year in October. The World War II veterans are credited with starting the festival as part of their July 4th, celebration in 1952.

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A warm welcome...

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

Dear Visitors, On behalf of the Louisiana Cotton Festival Association and our dedicated volunteers, I am delighted to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us for the 72nd Annual Louisiana Cotton Festival.

2025 COTTON FESTIVAL SENIOR ROYALTY - Shown, from left, are runners-up Byron Faul and Janella Soileau, Louisiana Cotton Festival Association President Kimberly McDaniel, Le Roi James Bordelon and La Reine Susan Graser. (Photo courtesy of Heritage Manor)

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2025 Le Roi et La Reine enjoyed their reign

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Monday, October 5, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor 2025 senior Cotton Festival royalty Le Roi James Bordelon and La Reine Susan Graser bid farewell to their reign and crowned their successors during the pageant held Saturday, September 26.

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Grand Parade of Cotton information

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Monday, October 5, 2026

The Louisiana Cotton Festival’s Grand Parade of Cotton has been scheduled for 12 noon Sunday, October 11. Lineup will begin at 10:30 a.m. All entries must be received by Thursday, October 8, by 5 p.m. Forms can be mailed to 1322 Lee St., Ville Platte, LA. 70586.

Queen Cotton LXXII crowned

News Staff

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Ashley Ann Gorrell of Baton Rouge, the 23-year-old daughter of Samantha and Randall Rowlands, was crowned Queen Cotton LXXII during pageant festivities held Saturday afternoon, September 26, at the Northside Civic Center.

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Bicyclist, one other are arrested on drug charges

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Thursday, October 1, 2026

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’ Office reports recent drug arrests and the recover of stolen property.

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A decade after flood, church is being demolished

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Thursday, October 1, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Ten years after historic flooding unearthed tombs and coffins in the church’s cemetery, the property of Saint Matthews Baptist Church has a new owner and is awaiting demolition. The Evangeline Parish Police Jury took over ownership of the property last week.

In the left photo, Le Roi Byron Faul and La Reine Shirley Copeland were crowned during Cotton Festival pageant activities held Saturday afternoon, September 26, at the Northside Civic Center.

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Le Roi et La Reine crowned during annual cotton pageant

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Thursday, October 1, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor During the annual crowning of Queen Cotton, Heritage Manor Le Roi et La Reine of the Cotton Festival were also crowned. Byron Faul, 70, of Ville Platte was chosen as Le Roi. He has been a resident of Heritage Manor for three years.

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