One of the highlights of the annual Washington Mardi Gras is the presentation of the young ladies who have been chosen to reign as queen over the many festivals celebrating Louisiana's history and natural resources. 

   The tradition began back in 1948, when Congressman Henry Larcade of Opelousas proposed sending his hometown's Yambilee Queen, along with five other festival queens throughout the state, to the DC Carnival Celebration.  In 2010, 23 festival queens proudly paraded throughout the Washington Hilton ballroom, showcasing our state's rich cultural heritage on a national stage.

   Representing the Acadiana area were Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen Ashley Michelle Bahry of Morgan City, Shrimp Festival Queen Lacey Blanchard of Delcambre, International Rice Festival Queen Amber Leigh Comeaux of Crowley, Le Cajun Festival Queen Shauna Marie Cormier of Lafayette, Crawfish Festival Queen Tiffany Paige Dore of Breaux Bridge, Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association (Krewe of Gabriel) Queen Margaret Elizabeth Francez, Yambilee Festival Queen Imani Malique Guillory of Opelousas,  Cotton Festival Queen Jamie Danielle Harrell of Ville Platte, Cattle Festival Queen Courtney Renee Hoffpauir of Abbeville, Sugar Cane Festival Queen Jade Kristen Leblanc of New Iberia, Krewe of Troubadours Queen Lauren Michelle Sibley of Lafayette, and Duck Festival Queen Hannah Kathleen Theriot of Gueydan. 

  Congratulations to these beautiful and talented ladies for representing Louisiana's fairs and festivals in our nation's capital.

BLUE ROLFES