Janet R. Hebert, president of the 73rd International Rice Festival, has announced several of the dignitaries and officials tabbed for the festival’s 2009 edition that is slated to take place the weekend of October 15-17 in downtown Crowley.

The oldest of any agricultural festivals in Louisiana, it is fitting that this year’s gala recognizes LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Director Dr. Steve Linscombe as its honoree. With Linscombe will be Roanoke farmer Clarence Berken as Farmer of the Year and Mowata’s Jack Thomas Hundley as Junior Farmer of the Year. Longtime Coach Louie Cook has been tabbed as the Children’s Parade Grand Marshall while KATC TV 3 morning personality Tom Voinche will be Grand Marshall for Saturday’s Grand Parade. Cook hails from Rayne while Voinche was born in Crowley and now resides in Eunice.

The Rice Festival General Chairman Gene Williams welcomes all to this year’s festival.

“We have plenty of action for you to have a good time. We have lots of entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival rides and yes, plenty of food,” Williams stated.

“The entertainment is going to be awesome again, he added. We will be crowning a new queen, junior king and junior queen, Chef De Riz and more.”

“So mark your calender for the third weekend in October and come join us for a awesome good time!” Williams concluded.

View the website for more information on the festival activities at www.ricefestival.com.