Joubert to reign as King Cotton

There’s a first time for everything, even at the ripe young age of 85. 
2016 King Cotton Curtis Joubert said, “This will be my first time as king of a festival.
“It is honor for me to be a part of the Cotton Festival. I love south Louisiana and all the festivals of the state. I have been a big promoter of tourism for a very long time.”
Each year, Cotton Festival officials choose a king to honor an important person such as  a senator, a congressman, a state governor or the president of a university.
Joubert, 85, is a native of Lawtell and long-time resident of Eunice. He graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Joubert is married to the former Kristine Kimball.
Joubert’s name is synonymous with tourism in Eunice. He was instrumental in bringing the National Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center to Eunice, as well as the Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame. He is also the founder and originator of the Rendez Vous des Cajun Liberty Radio and Television show.
In addition to his work to showcase the state of Louisiana, Joubert has served as an elected official and board member. Joubert is the former mayor of Eunice and a former state representative. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Louisiana Colleges and Universities, a member of the Louisiana State University at Eunice Advisory Board and a board member of the La Foundation Louisiane. He was also an interim member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Joubert formed and served as the president of the Former Louisiana Mayors’ Association and the LSUE Booster Club.
Joubert has been recognized several times for his work in the community, and like his reign as King Cotton, one of his honors was a first — he was the first person inducted into the LSUE Hall of Fame. Joubert was also inducted into the Louisiana Museum and Political Hall of Fame and the Legends of Acadiana Museum. 
Joubert is also a past recipient of the Governor’s Award for Leadership in Excellence for the State of Louisiana. 
Joubert said he has attended the Cotton Festival several times in the past. 
“I am honored that they chose me to represent the festival he said. “I plan to promote the Cotton Festival in Eunice.”
“Maybe one or two of my fans will come,” Joubert added, laughing.
Joubert said he loves the excitement of festivals and the way such events bring a town together. 
“It makes me feel good to see a community get together and work together to make an event happen,” he said. “It really brings people together. When you see a community come together, it’s a great thing. It speaks volumes about the community. It takes a lot of work from a lot of civic workers and volunteers to bring lots of activities to a place. 
“The community is holding on despite cotton no longer being king in the area. I commend Ville Platte for still honoring King Cotton.”