Rice Festival Queen’s Pageant contestants sought

The 80th International Rice Festival is right around the corner, and contestants for the Queen’s Pageant are now being sought.
The pageant will be held on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Courthouse Grounds Soundstage.
In addition to scholarships, the new Rice Festival Queen will receive a custom crown and formal banner, use of the official mantle and train, an opportunity to compete in the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen of Queens Contest, a trip to the USA Rice Convention in Carlsbad, California, and a trip to the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras Ball in Washington, D.C.
To be eligible, a young woman must be 17 years of age on or before Oct. 21 and may not be over 23 years of age.
Each contestant must be sponsored by a fair, festival, city, town, civic organization or business. In the case of contestants whose primary residence would make them eligible to compete for the title of Miss Crowley (zip codes 70526, 70534, 70556, 70559, 70531 and 70543), they must enter through an official bid from another fair, festival or pageant.
Contestants must be single and have never been married or had a marriage annulled. They may not be pregnant or have ever borne a child. In the event that a contestant selected as queen marries or becomes pregnant before her one-year reign is over, she must relinquish her crown and title.
Contestants must be of good moral character and have never been arrested for and/or convicted of a crime.
Contestants’ formal gowns for presentation on stage must be white or ivory in color and contestants are not allowed assistance with hair or make-up.
All contestants will be housed at accommodations provided by the International Rice Festival and must attend all functions listed on the Contestants’ Itinerary. Transportation will be provided and contestants must remain with the group at all times. Contestants are expected to remain at the festival and participate in all functions until the completion of the Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon.
The contestant crowned as the 80th International Rice Festival Queen must be available during her entire reign to represent her title at various functions.
Applications must be received by the International Rice Festival or postmarked no later than Oct. 1.
To obtain an application, or for more information, call Tessa Richard at 223-0440 or Shanna Morgan at 224-4923, or send an e-mail to queenscontest@ricefestival.com.