Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival

King & Queen Ball

This event was indeed the gala experience planned. The program was open by Lena F. Charles, Festival Director, with the presentation of theme, "Feel the Culture and Taste the Music."  Minister Willie Richard led the audience in a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing. Mr. Brian Fuselier, Masters of Ceremony, kept the lively group focus on the task of the evening. Choosing a New King and Queen to reign over 2008-2009 Zydeco Season was the distinguish duties of contest judges:

• Sheryl Ned, St. Landry Bank
• Laura Balthazar, Form St. Landry Parish Sheriff
• Herman Fuselier, Bayou Boogie, PAX Catch 22
• Mandi Jean-Batiste, KNEK 104.7 
• Cliff Taylor, Shilling Distribution

Category of the judging was really tough and started with a brief story telling from  the Contestants' Creole Culture and Zydeco Dance Experience. Then a question and answer session, that was followed by the contestants performing the require to waltz and a fast four/two step.
  
" Feel the Culture and Taste the Music". The Crowning of the New King and Queen selected from the stiff competition as they received a toast from the loyal subjects in attendance. A shower of gifts was a great hit with door prize give-a-ways and special recognition to the Friends of the Festivals Members. Local Sponsors acknowledgment concluded the contest session and the zydeco dancing began, " The 26th Annual Original SW LA Zydeco Festival King and Queen Ball." The  featured artist, Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys rocked the house well into the evening.
  
Winners, *King Matthew Roberts and Queen Angela Deculus was crown for 2008' Royalty and presided over the Ball Dance*.

The 27th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival Season will kick off with a gala event on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 9:00 pm.  The New Zydeco King and Queen will be crowned at the Zydeco Ball.

The theme for this gala even will be announced later, according to Lena Charles, president of SDF and Festival Director, “the committee is presently seeking applicants who have a love for Zydeco music, their Creole culture and proud heritage.  They must be willing to raise money through sponsorship and promote club membership”.

Applications can be picked up from the SDF Opelousas or 103.7 Radio Station between the hours of 9:00 am -5:00 pm daily.  For more information please click on "King and Queen Ball Application" above, or call Lena Charles at (337) 232-7672 or (337) 942-2392.  The contest and gala evening will include:

• A Waltz and a Fast Two-Step
• Crowning of King and Queen
• Promenade of King and Queen
• Presentation of Awards
• Dancing the "Night Away"

We are looking forward to having a good representation of participants from all over Acadiana.  Ages will range for 21 years and older.

Participants will receive trophies, certificates and photos.  The King and Queen will reign over all festival events sponsored by SDF for one year.  They will participate in the 2009 King and Queen Ball.

The Zydeco Ball is a representation of Cultural Art, Tradition and Zydeco Dance. Special to St Landry Parish that has adopted the Ball as a cultural event to experience. Young males and females as well as seniors are selectively chosen from the creole community and surrounding areas.  All are invited to participate in the gala event to help promote Zydeco Dance and the Creole Culture.

Committee Members are:                                                                                                                                      

• Lena Charles
• Racheal Auzenne
• Jacqueline Shilo-Gradnigo
• Barbara Auzenne
• Barbara Brown