Louisiana Cotton Festival

By Don Molino

Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

The 71st Louisiana Cotton Festival kicks off October 6 and runs through the 12th in Ville Platte, presided over by Queen Chloe Guilbeau from Rayne.  King Cotton this year is Bob Manuel from Ville Platte.

Katelyn Calhoun, Festival Media Coordinator, says organizers have gotten the local 4-H and FFA members more involved in the activities through a student market, which will be held Saturday, October 11, from 10-2.  

"After last year, because we did so well, we were able to make a pretty large donation to the Evangeline Parish 4-H and FFA office," said Calhoun.

Ville Platte at one time was the largest cotton growing area in Louisiana.  And while the cotton acreage has drastically fallen in recent years, the "traditions started over 70 years ago still hold true for the area and we are happy to preserve that heritage and tradition."