2015 Frog Derby Queen crowned, tradition continues at Frog Festival

Tradition continued Saturday morning of the 2015 Rayne Frog Festival as Catherine Castille was crowned Frog Derby Queen, the long-time event held since 1946 by the Rayne Lions Club.
Interviews and judging were held Sunday, May 3, at the Rayne Chamber of Commerce Office.
Catherine is the 16-year-old daughter of Kendall and Annette Castille of Rayne. She is a student at Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish and her frog for the contest was “Deuce” atop a tennis theme board. “Deuce” was awarded the Best Dressed in the costume contest.
Making the presentations were last year’s honoree, Victoria Richard, and Lions Club Chairman Luke Beslin, along with Director Dommie Perez and Co-Director Lion Linda Credeur.
Crowned the 2015 Frog Jockey Queen was Corrine Doucet, 16-year-old daughter of Patrick and Desiree Doucet of Rayne. She is also a student at Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish and her frog entry was “In Frognito.”
Corrine was also awarded the banner for Miss Congeniality and Longest Jump by “In Frognito.”
Making the presentation was last year’s honoree, Cailey Morgan.
Assisting with the program were fellow Lions John Jude Beslin and Tim Prevost.
Also assisting with the program were a number of past Frog Derby title holders who served as judges for the “hopping” portion of the program. Former title holders in attendance were Holly Babineaux Richard, Jade Guidry Durio, Mia Guidry and Angelle Venable Toups.
The Annual Frog Derby has been sponsored by the Rayne Lions Club since 1946 when it began at the International Rice Festival in Crowley. It is still presented at the Rice Festival every year, in addition to the Rayne contest held since 1973 at the inaugural Frog Festival.

By Lisa Soileaux
Assistant Editor
Rayne Acadian-Tribune