International Rice Fest Ball and Social set

CROWLEY – The 2017 Rice Festival Honoree, Dr. Rustum Ernest Girouard, Jr. better known as “Ernest”, and 2016 Rice Festival Queen AnnaLisa Meredith will be honored at the 81st International Rice Festival Queen’s Ball and Honoree Cocktail Party as announced by Suzy Webb, festival president.
The Social and Ball will take place from 6 p.m. until midnight Sept. 23 at The Grand Opera House of the South, located at 505 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley. The event is open to the public.
Also being recognized during the program will be Kent Brown, Festival Farmer of the Year; Michael Paul Zaunbrecher, Festival Junior Farmer of the Year and Michael Doughty, Children’s Parade Grand Marshal.
Festival President Suzy Webb has chosen to honor all first responders and in doing so she has selected Crowley Fire Chief Jody Viator, Acadia Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson and Crowley City Police Chief Jimmy Broussard, as the Grand Parade Grand Marshals. They will also be recognized that evening.
Tickets are $15 each. They may be purchased in advance at the Rice Festival Office, located at 119 East 1st Street in downtown Crowley. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door the night of the Social and Ball for the same price.
The Honorees’ social will begin at 6 p.m. An open bar will be available during the social. Festival dignitaries will greet and mingle with guests during the social.
A free buffet will be available to all guests in attendance. Rice dishes will be the featured item on the menu.
The official program will begin at 7 p.m. with the recognition of each of the Festival’s dignitaries. Young ladies vying for the title of 81st Rice Festival Queen will be introduced that night. The Grand March of visiting queens from festivals throughout the state will be presented with their long stunning mantles, crowns, and beautiful smiles.
Music will be provided by DJ Tracy Young. Other entertainment during the program will be several dance numbers performed by the Rice Festival Dance Troupe under the direction of Dolores Nutt.
This year’s festival dates are Oct. 19 through 22.