LA Tournoi Queen Loghan Kidder

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

“Being crowned Miss Tournoi has opened many doors for me, including making me branch outside my comfort zone, meeting many new people, traveling to many new places and creating friendships for a lifetime,” proclaims outgoing 2022 Louisiana Tournoi Queen Loghan Grayce Kidder.
Kidder will crown her successor at the annual Tournoi Pageant next Saturday, August 26, at the Northside Civic Center.
She recalls, “This was actually my first pageant title ever! So (with) it being a Miss title, (it) was a challenge, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!”
Kidder, the 18-year-old daughter of Jerry Kidder and Shelly Kidder of Carencro and granddaughter of Janice Kidder and Margie Soileau, graduated from Beau Chene High School in May 2023 with a 4.0 and was awarded TOPS. She is currently attending LSUE for the fall semester, where she is pursuing a degree in ultrasound technology. Her hobbies include shopping, hanging out with friends and spending time with family.
Kidder shares, “The most memorable moment in my reign definitely has to be the day of the running of the Tournoi and the ball that night! It was a surreal feeling to be a apart of it all!” She declares, “If I could relive that day everyday as a queen I would do it in a skinny minute!”
As Tournoi Queen, Kidder has traveled many miles across the state to represent Le Tournoi at other festivals and pageants, including Louisiana Cajun Heritage and Music Festival pageant, Atchafalaya Basin pageant, Louisiana Mardi Gras pageant, Children’s Cracklin pageant and Cracklin Festival, Swine Festival pageant, Cotton Festival coronation, festival and weekend, Etoufee pageant, Boudin Day Festival events, Boggy Bayou pageant, Erath Fourth of July Festival and Gueydan Duck Festival Junior pageant.
“I think it takes dedication and passion to be a good festival queen,” Kidder shares. “Because without these two things you won’t succeed. You have to be dedicated enough to go out and represent your title and make it known. And passion comes when you represent your title to its fullest capacity and show that you love what your representing.”
To her successor, Kidder has the following advice: “Take this crown and run with it because a year is never gonna be enough time. Travel as much as you can, include your little queens as often as you can, and grow bonds with your director and sister queens! There is no love like theirs!”
Kidder admits, “I have learned the sense of responsibility and loyalty. I am responsible for all my little queens because they look up to me. I don’t want to let them down. I have also become loyal to the town of Ville Platte and the Tournoi itself. I have such a great love for the community and all of my Tournoi family.”
Kidder says, “There are so many people I would love to thank, but most importantly my parents (because) they have pushed me to be the most successful and independent person in anything I do. They are my biggest cheerleaders no matter the circumstances! Mom and dad were there for every pageant, festival or late night project!” She proudly says, “Y’all did a pretty great job as first time pageant parents!” Kidder continues, “I also want to thank my board members and director, Ms. Rachael. I truly could not have done this without y’all! I love my Tournoi family forever!”