State

A warm welcome...

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 71st Annual Louisiana Cotton Festival.

A brief history of La. Cotton Festival

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.

Manuel, former board festival member is named King Cotton

By: TONY MARKS Editor Robert F. “Bob” Manuel, a lifelong Ville Platte resident and a dedicated community leader, was named as king of this year’s Louisiana Cotton Festival. Manuel said he was shocked when he learned the news but acknowledged it is an honor.

Posthumous title of Colonel Cotton is awarded to Hebert

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Carissa Ann Hebert is being posthumously honored by the Louisiana Cotton Festival board as Colonel Cotton this year for her dedication to the festival for many years. “She is still a beloved member of our board, and we miss her dearly.

Arvie to lead Grand Parade of Cotton as marshal

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor When learning he was selected to be last year’s Grand Parade Marshal for the Cotton Festival, Darion Arvie admits, “My initial reaction was shock.

Queen Cotton LXX: Emma Rose McElwee

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor “This title has opened the door to countless incredible opportunities,” shares outgoing Queen Cotton LXX Emma Rose McElwee.

Cotton Festival youth royalty crowned September 20

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Cotton Festival Youth Royalty were crowned during pageant festivities held at the Northside Civic Center in Ville Platte on Saturday, September 20.

Grand Parade of Cotton information

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

Cotton Royalty

1954- King Dave Pearce and Queen Janice Hebert 1955- King John B. Fournet and Queen Myrna Bea Soileau 1956- King Sidney J. McCrory and Queen Geraldine Rogers 1957- King Joel Lafayette Fletcher and Queen Annette Soileau 1958- DeLesseps S. Morrison and Queen Sandra Lemoine 1959- King T.A.

Contradansers keep tradition alive at Cotton Festival

This year’s youth Contradanse team has been practicing hard under the leadership of instructors Melanie and Rob Soileau. They are (from left) front row- Rayna McDaniel, Liam Soileau, Bryce Courville, Nathan Aucoin; back row- Ella Fuselier, AJ Rose, Abby Rose. (Photo courtesy of Melanie Soileau)