It is truly an honor to be the queen of a Louisiana fair or festival. As a former festival queen, it's wonderful to return each year, visit with my festival family, and welcome a new member into the club. Last weekend, I returned to the beginning of my days crossing over into the "big girls'" division -- the Port Barre Lions Club Cracklin Festival Pageant. Fifteen years ago, I entered my first "miss" division festival pageant. I was barely 17, and the youngest contestant in the competition. I had chosen to compete for this particular title because it had been one of the first festivals I visited with my previous teen festival title, and I remembered the incredible dedication of the Lions Club members, the welcoming atmosphere of the town, and the important causes supported by funds raised through the event. I figured this would be a great organization to represent if I won, or at least to support by competing if I wasn't so lucky. I remember the competition clearly, including my completely beaded red & gold gown (clearly, I needed a red & gold gown since the festival colors were red & gold!). I also remember an older, more experienced contestant telling me that there was a title out there for me, AND that I shouldn't be disappointed WHEN I lost since this was only my first attempt at a "miss" title....she was a very gracious first runner up. 15 years later, it is so much fun to return to Port Barre each year, with one of my best friends who is also a former Cracklin Queen, to help with the pageant and welcome a new member into the family. This year, the organization introduced a new crown featuring the festival logo -- the pig in the pot (or Harry, as he is affectionately known to former titleholders). Visit the festival website (http://www.portbarrecracklinfestival.com/) to find out more about the festival as well as the great causes the Port Barre Lions Club Crackin Festival supports including the LA Eye Foundation and the Lions Camp for Crippled Children.
(Lisa, Mrs. LA Gulf Coast & AK judging & emceeing ~ Millie & AK, former Cracklin Queens, trying on the new crowns)
(Carrie, a former Cracklin Queen, "crowning" me with the new crown)
(AK with the 2009 Cracklin Festival Royalty)
