CROWLEY – On a cool Friday morning as festival goers were just beginning their day, the International Rice Festival crowned its junior king and junior queen to reign over the Children’s Parade.

Carson Armentor and Mary Ellen Herbert were chosen as junior king and junior queen, respectively. They were crowned by Superintendent John E. Bourque and his wife.

Carson is the son of James Armentor and Morgan Istre, and is a student at Estherwood Elementary School.

Mary Ellen is the daughter of Jody and Angie Herbert, and is student at St. Michael School.

A court was also named as Alexis Neyra, daughter of James and Michelle Neyra, was named first runner-up. She is a student at Egan Elementary. Cole Broussard, son of Melanie and Shawn Broussard, was also named first runner-up. He attends St. Francis School.

Named second runners-up were Kaylee Bedel and Gavin Middlebrooks. Kaylee is the daughter of Kathleen and Danny Bedel and attends Rayne Catholic. Gavin is the son of Garden and Mandy Middlebrooks. He is a student at Richard Elementary.

The judges were tasked with the tough decision of whittling down the 36 in total contestants, 18 boys and 18 girls, selected by each school to represent them in the contest.

Other princesses in this year’s contest were Kamryn Baker, Alexia Spallino, Brooke Mullener, Audra Smith, Samantha LeJeune, Addison Breaux, Kadence Faulk, Madison LeJeune, Ramsey Comeaux, Braislyn Guidry, Leah Guardia, Brooklyn Ponthier, Emma Guidry, Bailey Monceaux and Sydney Bruchhaus.

Other princes in this year’s contest were Michael Thomas, Branson Melancon, Kirsten Morgan, Gabe Schmaltz, Zachary Guidry, Hubert Louis “Trey” Richard III, Payton Daigle, Trenton “Cole” Breaux, Konner Vilardo, Trevor Davis, Garrison Gautreaux, Landon Richard, Haidyn Billiot, Christopher Allen Jr. and Daylon Foreman.