Self confidence booster

Boggy Bayou Queen Riane Elizabeth Motty, 19, will be saying goodbye to her royal duties when a new queen is crowned on May 8. Looking back fondly on her experiences as a representative of the festival, Motty said the experience has given her self confidence. “I’ve learned pageantry is so much more than having the perfect walk and prettiest dress,” said Motty. “Throughout my year as Boggy Bayou’s 35th Queen, I was able to travel around Louisiana and experience different festivals and what they had to offer. I also have the privilege to compete at the Louisiana Association of Fair’s and Festival’s pageant, and spend the weekend with queens from all over Louisiana.”
Boggy Bayou Queen was not Motty’s only title with the festival, as she was the 2018 Teen Miss Boggy Bayou. “Although I was representing the same festival, I experienced many more opportunities being the Miss queen,” said Motty. “They were both amazing titles to hold and will always have a special place in my heart, but being the Queen of Boggy Bayou was a little different and made me cherish Boggy Bayou even more.”
Motty said some of the highlights of her reign included spending the weekend in Baton Rouge at the LAFF convention. Also, she spent the weekend in Ville Platte for the Cotton Festival pageant of which she said, “We got to see many cool things that I had never seen before, such as a cotton field, and we were able to walk through the Jack Miller’s factory and see how the sauces were made and packaged!” She also represented the Boggy Bayou festival in the Christmas in the Village parade in Turkey Creek where she received second place for having the best decorated vehicle. One of the biggest highlights for Motty was sitting the residents of Prairie Manor Nursing Home. “These residents are some of the sweetest, most heart-warming people to talk to. They’re so genuine and make the queens feel so loved.”
When it comes to being a good festival queen, Motty said you need to be confident in the festival you’re representing. “You need to know the history behind that festival and how it was started. Also, knowing the purpose for the festival and where the donations and profits are going. Having this knowledge will allow you to help other people understand and be more willing to attend the festival to help the cause.”
When asked what advice she has for the next queen, Motty said, “Enjoy this, take it all in. It goes by way quicker than you think. It’s a beautiful festival with an even more beautiful purpose so cherish it. Travel as much as you can. Get the word out about Boggy Bayou and help lead more people to our little festival in Pine Prairie, to help raise money for our residents at the Prairie Manor Nursing Home.”
Motty is the daughter of Stephanie Guillot and Ryan Motty, and the granddaughter of Cheryl Motty and John Motty. She currently attends the Opelousas School of Cosmetology. Her hobbies include fitness, hanging out with friends, shopping, and traveling. When asked about her future plans, Motty said, “By next year I plan to be a licensed stylist at my nanny’s salon, Glam Hair Salon located in Opelousas.”
Motty thanks her family “for standing behind me in everything,” adding, “Thank you Chasessica Basco, my amazing director that taught me so much and helped me beyond measure. You are the best director I could have ever asked for.” She also thanked the Boggy Bayou Festival Board Members for supporting her and always reaching a hand out to her when she needed. “You guys are truly the best and I couldn’t have done it without y’all.”