Rice Festival Queen's Ball and Honoree social set Sept. 17

CROWLEY – Rice Festival Honoree, Charles “Chuck” W. Abell Jr., and 2015 Rice Festival Queen Camille Quebodeaux will be honored at the 80th International Rice Festival Queen’s Ball and Honoree Cocktail Party as announced by Elisabeth LeLeux, festival president.
The event is open to the public.
The Social and Ball will take place on Sept. 17, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Rice Festival Building, located at 717 West Mill St. in Crowley.
Donald A. Leonards, festival farmer of the year; Jacob Zaunbrecher, festival junior farmer of the year; Kelly Leonards, Children’s Parade grand marshal, and Jason and Jared Monk, the Grand Parade grand marshals, will be recognized as well during the program.
Tickets are $15 each. They may be purchased in advance at the Rice Festival Office, located at 112 East Hutchinson Ave. in downtown Crowley. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door the night of the Social and Ball for the same price.
Music will be provided by DJ Tracy Young.
The Honorees’ social will begin at 6 to 6:45 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 80th Rice Festival Queen will be introduced that night. The Grand March of visiting queens from festival throughout the state will be presented with their long stunning mantles, crowns, and beautiful smiles. What a sight it will be as they promenade around the festival building.
Other entertainment during the program will be several dance numbers performed by the Rice Festival Dance Troupe under the direction of Dolores Nutt.