Giving thanks

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NOVEMBER 22, 2017 | WEDNESDAY

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Ashley Rene Tucker

Kayleigh Buchanon

Nydia Cooper

brooke.robichaux@lobservateur.com

Kami Frances Hymel

Chloe Trosclair

DoMonique Aaryn Warren

FESTIVAL OF THE BONFIRES PAGEANT SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

LUTCHER — The Festival of the Bonfires Committee, as well as Miss Festival of the Bonfires XXVII Davi Clement and the Teen Miss Festival of the Bonfires XVIII Breleigh Ann Bentivegna, invite

the community to join them for the 28th annual Festival of the Bonfires Pageant. This year’s pageant begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Lutcher High School and features the crowning of new queen, Ashley Rene Tucker. Admission for this year’s pag-

eant is $5 per person, and children 5 and under can enter for free. Concessions will be sold. Five beautiful ladies are vying for the title of Teen Miss Festival of the Bonfires, including Kayleigh Buchanon, Nydia Cooper, Kami Frances Hymel, Chloe Trosclair and DoMonique Aaryn Warren.

Also, don’t forget to join in with the 28th annual Festival of the Bonfires fun and festivities Dec. 8-10 at Lutcher Park. This year’s children pageant will be held Dec. 9 at Lutcher Park, beginning at 9 a.m. For more information, visit festivalofthebonfires.org.

Outgoing Queens Clement, Bentivegna reflect on amazing experiences

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his year has not only been measured in minutes, but in moments — extraordinary, fun filled, memory making moments that I won’t forget. This past year as Miss Festival of the Bonfires XXVII has Clement been nothing short of amazing. I never imagined how fast my reign would fly by, and soon another lucky young woman will take my place. This year has also been measured in miles…2,310 of them to be exact. And I wouldn’t have had it any other way. From citrus tasting, strawberry picking and crawfish racing to shrimp peeling, parade riding and picture taking, my year was jam packed with the most unique traditions that only a Louisiana festival queen would experience. However, my very favorite event was right here in my hometown of Lutcher. The Festival of the Bonfires has so much to offer, and nothing warms my heart more than seeing the community come together and continue our small town tradition. All my queen friends raved about how much fun they had watching the bonfire ignite and being on the levee and

I couldn’t be more proud. I can’t thank Mrs. Rhonda Lee, Mrs. Jamie Vicknair and the rest of our volunteers for the hard work and time they put in each and every year for our festival to be such a great success. I was also blessed with the most perfect teen queen and director. Breleigh has exemplified grace and class at every event, and it was so much fun taking her under my wing and showing her the ropes of the queen life. Having a teen queen with such talent and a great personality has made my reign even more wonderful. Lastly, none of this would have been possible without Festival of the Bonfires Pageant Director Jade Leblanc. Without my strong-willed, determined, understanding, patient and fun-loving director, I wouldn’t have had the experience I was blessed with. Not only is she a superb director, but an awesome friend as well and I aspire to be half the woman she is. Unfortunately, my year has come to an end, but I can’t wait to see what’s in store for our next set of queens. For the last time, I am your Miss Festival of the Bonfires XVII. — Davi Clement

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ost people might not know this. I was born on September 11, 2001. That was the day the United States was attacked by terrorists, causing thousands of Bentivegna deaths and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Of course, I don’t remember that day or the months following. I have made sure that I learned more about history, terrorism and understand why national security is important. When I think about those issues, the pageant world doesn’t seem that important. Then, I realize that the Festival of the Bonfires is really significant. The Festival and pageant are long-time traditions in our community. It is part of the American way of life that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. As Teen Miss Festival of the Bonfires this past year, I have had experiences that I am sure every little girl dreams about. Wearing a crown and beautiful dresses is

not just fun, it does make you feel beautiful and special. I will never forget how I felt the first time I heard my name called out as the new Teen Miss last year. I think my family and friends may grow tired of hearing me talk about what a wonderful experience this year has been for me. But I want to share it one more time. As my reign comes to an end, I am so proud and honored to have represented St. James Parish and the Festival of the Bonfires. St. James Parish is my home, and I now know more about my community and the wonderful people who live here. Travelling to the different fairs and festivals has been an experience I will always treasure. I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience culture at its best. Thank you to everyone who oversees the Festival of the Bonfires and to those who visit us for the event. We are all blessed to be able to enjoy such a unique event. — Breleigh Ann Bentivegna

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Natalie Robottom

RAINBOW PEDIATRICS

President, St. John the Baptist Parish robottom@stjohn-la.gov

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