Appreciating the love

The honor of being crowned Queen Cotton LXIV last year went to 22-year-old Tara Babin of Gonzales; the daughter of Tim and Charmaine Babin and the granddaughter of Rita and the late Billy Gautreaux and BB and Collen Babin.
Before handing the crown to her successor, Babin described herself as a student and looked back on her reign in the land of cotton.
Q: What are your school, hobbies, activities, clubs, organizations?
A: I am a senior majoring in kinesiology at Southeastern Louisiana University. I am a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, where I serve as the vice president of membership recruitment.
I am also a four-year member of Southeastern’s Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi. In my free time, I enjoy playing in the on-campus intramural football and softball leagues. I absolutely love spending time with my family and friends and attending as many concerts as possible!
Q: What are your future plans?
A: Upon graduating with my four-year degree in kinesiology, I plan to attend graduate school to further my education in hopes of one day becoming an occupational therapist.
Q: What opportunities or experiences has being crowned Cotton Queen given you?
A: My year as Queen Cotton LXIV has been nothing short of a dream. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people and travel every single weekend with some amazing women.
During this year, I’ve traveled to every corner of Louisiana, being able to experience our beautiful state in a way that I never have before. I have had the opportunity to learn about the many things our state has to offer and now have a new respect for the rich culture and traditions that run deep through Louisiana. This experience has given me more than just a crown or a title, but so many memories and friendships that I will cherish for a life time.
Q: Have you held any other titles? How does this one compare?
A: I have held one other small Miss title, but I do not think anything will ever compare to my year as Queen Cotton. I’ve grown such a deep love for the people of Ville Platte, cotton farmers, and the cotton industry; and I will be always proud to say that I am their queen.
Q: What were some of the highlights/ memorable moments (good or bad) of your reign?
A: I would definitely say that the highlight of my reign as Queen Cotton was being able to attend the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Ball in Washington, D.C., with my sister queens and my family. This was an absolutely incredible experience where we were treated like true royalty. I will never forget the moment when I was introduced at the ball in my full train and mantle, when the confetti canons were set off, and everyone cheered. I can honestly say it was an unforgettable moment.
Q: What are some of the festivals or events you attended during your reign? Any unusual or fun experiences at the events with your sister queens?
A: I have attended over 40 festivals and events throughout my reign, but some of my favorite experiences were crawfishing in Breaux Bridge, riding through the cane fields in New Iberia, picking and eating my first strawberry in Ponchatoula, picking oranges in the groves in Plaquemines Parish, and riding down the levee in Lutcher in my home-made sled! I’ve got to experience Louisiana in such a unique way this past year, but doing it with a group of my closest friends was the best part.
Q: What do you think it takes to be a good festival queen?
A: Being a good festival queen takes commitment and love. Being a festival queen is not easy. Every weekend, for an entire year, we spend hours driving many miles all across the state. We wake up super early every Saturday and most Sundays.
Being a festival queen is hard, and I don’t think some people would expect that. That’s why I think it takes commitment and love. Commitment to your industry/festival/board to be able to represent them to your absolute fullest even when you may not want to. And lastly, I think it takes love. Love for your festival, the people you represent and for everything this beautiful state has to offer. Being a festival queen is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I think it takes someone who is willing to sacrifice in order to be the best representative of their festival, knowing that it will be the absolute best year of their life.
Q: What have you learned about yourself and the festival you represented during your reign?
A: I have learned so much throughout this year, but, most importantly, I think have learned the true definition of appreciation. I have learned to appreciate all the work cotton farmers put in to successfully grow and harvest this precious crop. I have learned to appreciate all of the different cultures and traditions this beautiful state has to offer.
I’ve learned to better appreciate my mom, because, without her, this year would not have been possible or even half way successful.
I’ve learned to appreciate my festival board and all the time and effort they put in to make the Louisiana Cotton Festival such a success every year.
I’m thankful for this opportunity. I can honestly say I have truly grown as a person through this experience.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for your successor?
A: When this crown is placed on your head, you will forever be changed. Love the festival and industry with all of your heart. This journey will take you so many places, and you do not want to miss a second of it.
Take every chance you get. I promise you will regret staying home that one weekend because you thought you needed a break. Travel every single weekend, make lifelong friends, take a million pictures, and go out and be an advocate for the Louisiana Cotton Industry. I promise, you will not regret one minute of this year.
Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank for making your reign special or helping you throughout the year?
A: My year would not have been successful without the help of so many different people, but I would first like to thank my mom. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have done for me this past year. Your efforts to make this year perfect for me do not go unnoticed. I appreciate you more than you will ever know!
Thank you to Mrs. Kelli (Buller) and the Louisiana Cotton Festival Board for being my support system and helping me with anything I ever needed. I hope I have made each of you proud!
I would also like to thank my closest queen friends for sharing this experience with me, it would not have been the same without y’all!