78th Rice Festival queen crowned

It was a gorgeous morning Saturday as the 78th International Rice Festival Queen was selected from a bevy of outstanding candidates to represent “The King and Queen of Grains” throughout the coming year.

The newest ambassador of the Rice Capital is Allison “Ali” Hoffpauir, the daughter of Andre and Craig Hoffpauir, who was representing the city of Crowley.

Sponsored by the Crowley Professional Women’s Club, Hoffpauir is currently a student at McNeese State University, where her favorite subjects are biology and calculus.

Influenced by her own experience with Kawasaki disease, an autoimmune disorder that is rare among persons her age, she is taking pre-med courses in order to pursue a career as a rheumatologist. She is determined to add to the understanding of autoimmune diseases and to help others as her own rheumatologist did for her.

Ali’s hobbies include singing, visiting the elderly, taking pictures, hunting with her dad and sister, watching Disney classics and collecting rice cookbooks.

As part of her new duties and responsibilities as queen, she will be the ambassador of the International Rice Festival and she will oversee next year’s festival. She also was awarded many scholarships.

Serving as emcees for this event were Crowley Mayor Greg Jones and Deborah Nutt Whiting. 

As the judges deliberated, the International Rice Festival Dance Troupe, known also as the “Ricettes,” provided entertainment for the pageant-goers.

Before the new queen was crowned, 77th International Rice Festival Queen Hailey Hensgens addressed the crowd and thanked everyone who helped over the year, including her family, her friends and the International Rice Festival staff.

Hoffpauir was also named “Miss Congeniality,” an honor for which she was selected by her fellow contestants.

Named first runner-up was Dakota Henry, daughter of Renee and Rickey Henry, who represented the Rayne Frog Festival. Sarah Watkins, daughter of Sherry and Wynn Watkins, who represented the Cajun French Music Association - Lake Charles Chapter, was selected as second runner-up.

Joining them as contestants were Patrice LaCombe, Chelsea Vidrine, Ellen Boudreaux, Nicole Thibodeaux, Kaitlyn LeJeune and Victoria Guidry.