Lincoln Parish residents Catherine Williams and Harper Ritter have been crowned as the new Peach Festival royalty.
These two new queens were crowned in the 75th annual Ruston Peach Pageant held June 6 at the Dixie Gin Theatre. Vying for the titles were 16 Princess Peach contestants ages 4-6 and five Queen Dixie Gem Peach contestants ages 14-17.
Harper Ritter, the 4-year-old daughter of Morgan and Paul Ritter, of Choudrant, earned the title of Princess Peach LXXIV. Her court included 1st runner up Emma Wynn and 2nd runner up Evelyn Bowles. Princess Peach contestants participated in an ice cream social and private interviews with the judges on Thursday, and on Saturday they graced the stage in evening wear competition and a fun production number performance to a Jackson 5 medley.
The title of Queen Dixie Gem Peach LXXV was awarded to 16-year-old Cedar Creek rising senior Catherine Williams, daughter of Rebecca and Gerry Williams of Ruston. Her court included 1st runner up Averie Moon. Queen Dixie Gem peach contestants competed in areas of private interview, outfit of choice and evening wear on Saturday.
Other recognitions included the top ad sales award to Scottie Jo McHenry and the people’s choice award winners in each division: Charlotte Dearmon in Princess Peach and Averie Moon in Queen Dixie Gem Peach.
Ritter and Williams will spend the upcoming year representing Ruston’s Peach Festival in the Lincoln Parish community and beyond.
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