By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – It’s the bittersweet cycle of the pageant world. For each queen that is crowned another must relinquish her title and headwear.

And the time is drawing near when the current St. John Sugar Queen, Chrissy Carter, must make way for the next young lady who will represent St. John the Baptist Parish in all things pageant.

“It has been an amazing year,” said Carter. “The moment you become St. John Sugar Queen your life changes.”

Carter said some of the changes are immediately noticeable. The hugs and laughs and joyful tears come first as do the tangible accouterments. But beyond that, the way people see a newly crowned queen changes, as well. The young woman who is crowned Sugar Queen instantly becomes a role model to scores of girls, Carter said.

It may seem like a great responsibility, but the year also holds times of great joy.

“The highlights of my year were riding in the LaPlace parade (Krewe du Monde) with BaBa (Oncale) and competing in the state pageant in New Iberia,” said Carter.

“It was everything I expected and more,” she added. “I do not want to give up the title. Once you are involved in this pageant you never want to leave.”

Luckily, that is not a problem for most St. John Sugar Queens as Oncale and the pageant’s other organizers, Suzanne Entremont Cancienne and Marie Hotard-Stelly, tend to welcome each queen as though they were a part of the family. Cancienne and Hotard-Stelly are former Sugar Queens themselves. So Carter knows that just because she will no longer wear the crown does not mean she will no longer be a part of the St. John Sugar Queen tradition.

On Aug. 11, a new St. John Sugar Queen will be crowned at St. John Theatre in Reserve, and Carter said any young lady thinking about entering the pageant should not hesitate to do so.

“You get to meet so many wonderful people and be a part of St. John history,” she said. “You will have so many wonderful experiences you never would otherwise.”

She also offered this bit of advice for those competing in the pageant: “Be yourself. It’s always good to be yourself and let your personality shine through.”

This year’s pageant features the theme “Hi Sugar Sails the High Seas,” and the evening’s master and mistress of ceremonies will be Michael Hoover and Paige Falgoust. Contestants will participate in an opening number and an evening wear competition. They will also have an interview session earlier in the day.

Contestants must be between the ages of 17 and 22. Those who are interested may contact Carter at chrissy. carter@selu.edu or Oncale at Formal Connection at 985-652-1195.