BOGGY BAYOU: Pine Prairie Mayor crowned king

Often in small towns, leaders will wear many “hats.”
Not too often though the headpiece includes a crown.
At this year’s Boggy Bayou Festival, Quint West, Pine Prairie’s new mayor, will be crowned 2017 king.
This year’s king is currently employed as assistant principal at Evangeline Central. He served on the Village of Pine Prairie’s Town Council for 12 years before becoming a mayoral candidate last fall. A bid he won and took office this past January.
Quint spent 21 years in the classroom, 17 years of which were spent at Pine Prairie Elementary. He became assistant principal for the Evangeline Parish School system five years ago. The first two of those years were spent at Bayou Chicot Elementary and the last three at Evangeline Central in Vidrine.
The 1982 graduate of Pine Prairie High School is the son of Bill and Irmus West of Pine Prairie, and the late Betty Faye West. His dad, Bill, is a resident at Prairie Manor Nursing Home. “I’ve always supported the festival and its cause because I believe strongly in the festival’s purpose. But this year, it has an even greater meaning with my Dad living there,” he explains. “I can truly see how important this festival is.”
Quint has been married to the former Roxane Barbo of Pine Prairie, for almost 33 years. They have four children: Elliott, Aaron, Elizabeth and Lynee’ and also raised his nephew, Billy.
His son, Elliott and wife, Kaci, will have a child this summer; while son, Aaron, and his wife, Britney, recently had a baby girl, Maddyn. Aaron also has two step children, Abby and Hunter.
Becoming the village’s mayor only three months ago, Quint says the role is becoming more enjoyable each day. “I like it,” he grins. “I’m now in a position where I can help people.”
Just three short years ago in 2014, Quint’s younger brother, Shane, reigned as King of the Boggy Bayou Festival. Just a little over a year ago, Shane lost his battle with mesothelioma. The thought of his brother still brings tears to his eyes.
Quint and Shane will make history with the festival as they become the first brothers to ever wear the crown. “It’s such an honor,” Quint admits. “My brother meant so much to me. Serving as king is a great honor for me just like it was for him.
“I feel privileged to have been considered to wear the crown,” the Pine Prairie mayor says. “I am very excited!”
Quint has an older brother, Joey, and a sister, Marlene. He also has two step-sisters, Paula and Carla.
Always attending the festival with his family, Quint says, “I always enjoy seeing everyone there. It’s a time for visits and reunions.
“I can’t sing like my brother could, but I sure have music in my sole,” he adds with a smile. “I always loved music.
“I’d like to invite everyone to come out and support the festival this year and every year. It really has a wonderful purpose - Prairie Manor Nursing Home residents. It’s definitely one of a kind.”