The 60th Louisiana Cotton Festival began Tuesday night with the traditional “contredanse” dancers and the crowning of the King and Queen of Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
The new King is Roland Clouthier, age 88, a native of Detroit, Michigan. He is a former jockey and horse trainer and owner of race horses. He has two sisters. He replaces last year’s King: Pershing Jack Deville age 80.
The first runner up was Gary Landreneau age 71.
The new 2013 Queen of Heritage Manor Nursing Home is Bobbie McCauley age 74. She has one daughter, two grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She is a retired bank manager who enjoys music and reading. She replaces last year’s Queen Andrea LeBas age 70.
This year’s runner up is Nathalie Fontenot age 85, a retired store clerk.
A Cajun band of local musicians accompanied the young group of Contredanse dancers who performed for the large audience in attendance.
Another highlight at Tuesday’s opening event were musical performances by the Cotton Pickers.
The Cotton Festival continues today (Wednesday) with the 4-H Food Fest at the Ville Platte Civic Center and the 4-H Cotton Pickin Pet Show at 4:00pm in the Civic Center Pavillion. Oldies 92-5 KVPI’s Becky and J.C. will be covering the event live.
The Cotton Festival carnival opens its rides and attractions Wednesday at 5:00pm with Bracelet Night from 5-9pm.
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