CROWLEY – On a bright and sunny 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.

Ian Lyons and Elise Anne Gossen were chosen as junior king and junior queen, respectively. They were crowned by Superintendent John E. Bourque and his wife.

Ian is the son of James and Stacey Lyons, and is a student at St. Michael School.

Elise is the daughter of Amy and Jason Gossen, and is student at Rayne Catholic School.

A court was also named as Lana Thibodeaux, daughter of Joshua and Tiffany Thibodeaux, was named first runner-up. She is a student at Evangeline Elementary School. Izayah Sartor, son of Danielle LeBouef and John Sartor, was also named first runner-up. He attends Morse Elementary School.

Named second runners-up were Chloé Ortego and Ross Miller. Chloé is the daughter of Jill and Joshua Ortego and attends St. Francis School. Ross is the son of Danny and Kristi Miller. He is a student at Danny and Kristi Miller.

The judges were tasked with the tough decision of whittling down the 34 in total contestants, 17 boys and 17 girls, selected by each school to represent them in the contest.

Other princesses in this year’s contest were Caitlyn Colson, Brinna Hebert, Kaidynce Billiot, Valiree Vining, Pilar Morris, Jamie Vincent, Shayne Rivet, Myra Carlson, Gracie Sanchez, Victoria Sisco, Alexandra Rivera, Ja’Niyah Moore, Alyssa Kate Meaux and Ella Meche.

Other princes in this year’s contest were Christopher Duhon, Connor Daigle, Zachary Baker, Landon Bourque, Lane Hallum, Landon Baptiste, Landon Broussard, Caleb Moore, Josef Shelvin, Kellen Thomas, Taj Richard, Keith Leblanc, Elbert Johnson and Hunter Leonards.