Rials crowned 32nd Boggy Bayou Queen; Fontenot awarded Ms. title during festival

Gazette Staff Report

Miss Shelbi McClay Rials, the daughter of Regina Pate and Clay Rials of Pine Prairie, was crowned the 32nd Boggy Bayou Queen during the annual festival in Pine Prairie last weekend. She made history as she is the first to hold all of the Boggy Bayou Festival pageant titles thus far. “I have dreamed of being the Miss queen since I was old enough to dream,” the brown-eyed beauty says smiling. “My dream came true Saturday afternoon.”
Rials enjoys playing her guitar, singing, cheering, participating in theatre, reading, watching movies and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is currently co-captain of the high school cheerleading squad and was junior maid of the 2015 homecoming court. She serves as president of the drama club and secretary of the math and science club. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA so far during her high school years.
She was crowned by the 31st queen, Ashlyn Soileau.
Placing as first runner-up to this year’s queen was Lynee West, the daughter of Quint and Roxane West of Pine Prairie. She attends Louisiana State University in Alexandria, where she is majoring in biology.
Kristina LaTour, the daughter of Bart and Becky LaTour, was named second runner-up in the pageant. She attends Pine Prairie High School.
At the tea held at Prairie Manor earlier that day, the contestants voted on Miss Congeniality. The award went to Laken Grouvillia of Eunice.
Capturing the Ms. Boggy Bayou title for 2016 was Tammy Fontenot, the wife of Logan Fontenot of Pine Prairie. She is currently employed with CC’s Fitness in Pine Prairie. She was crowned by outgoing Ms. Boggy Bayou Skye Bryant.
Placing as first runner-up was Julia Meyer of Crowley; while Ellen Jack Onuwabhagbe of Mamou placed second.
At the start of Saturday’s pageant, Mr. Brent Campbell of the Crooked Creek community, was crowned king. Last year’s king, Mr. Billy Campbell presented him with the scepter.
Providing entertainment for the pageant were students from Lynn Landreneau’s Dance Technique and Performance: Alexis Barnaman, Skyla Fontenot, Karli Vidrine and Sierra Fontenot. Also, Lauren Estes of Pine Prairie sang two songs during the pageant.
Judging the pageant this year were former Boggy Bayou queens Kasie LaFleur, Fallan Ortego and Torian Veillon.
The queen’s banner was donated by Ms. Bobbie Ardoin. Mayor Terry Savant and wife Lorraine provided the Ms. crown again this year. The pageant plaques were donated by Mr. Chris Guillory with Awards Unlimited.
Special thanks to all contestants, their sponsors, and those who attended the pageant.