By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

RESERVE — Erin Duhe was crowned 2014 Miss Andouille Queen, and Riley Edwards was crowned 2014 Teen Andouille Queen Saturday night at the annual St. John the Baptist Parish Andouille Queen Pageants.

Duhe is the 23-year-old daughter of Faron and Donna Duhe of Garyville. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University and is working towards a master’s degree in clinical mental health consulting at Nicholls State University. 

Duhe said she was ecstatic, relieved and nervous all at the same time as she stood on the St. John Theatre stage and heard her name announced as the winner. 

“As an Andouille Queen I look forward to representing my parish and the Andouille Festival,” Duhe said. “(Edwards) and I will bring a little of St. John and our wonderful food, tourism, industry and unique traditions to those around the state.

“Queen life is going to be an amazing experience.”

She said the title of Miss Andouille is one coveted by many young girls in St. John Parish. 

“I have always dreamed of one day wearing that beautiful crown and being a role model representing our parish,” Duhe said. “This crown is a symbol of my hard work, confidence and determination, and I will wear it with pride.”

Duhe also won the People’s Choice Award. She will compete in the Louisiana Queen of Queens Pageant held in February.

Brittany Lambert, named First Runner Up in the Miss Pageant, won Miss Congeniality and the Interview Fashion Award. 

Heather Roussel, named Second Runner Up in the Miss Pageant, won the Photogenic Award and the Formal Fashion Award.

Newly-crowned 2014 Teen Queen Riley Edwards is the 15-year-old daughter of Rick and Kelly Edwards of LaPlace. She is a sophomore at St. Charles Catholic High School. 

“It has always been a dream of mine to be the Andouille Teen Queen,” Edwards said. “I hope to see many people at the upcoming Andouille Festival trying our wonderful dishes.”

Edwards also won the People’s Choice Award, Miss Congeniality and the Interview Fashion Award.

Abbie Duhe, named First Runner Up in the Teen Pageant, won the Formal Fashion Award.

Haley Walker was named Second Runner Up in the Teen Pageant, and Lacey LeBouef, named Third Runner Up in the Teen Pageant, won the Photogenic Award.

Pageant organizers sent everyone back in time with the pageants’ program, themed “Twisting the Night Away.”

Master of Ceremonies Michael Wright, a St. John Parish Council member, and Mistress of Ceremonies Baileigh Rebowe, a parish public information officer, hosted the night.

Entertainment included a dance to “You’re the One That I Want,” and Lance Ural performed as Elvis.

Taylor Rebowe, 2013 Miss St. Charles Parish Queen, performed a dance routine to “Dance With Me Tonight,” and the Junior Competition Team from Dance Etc. showcased their winning dance number to “Hit the Road Jack.”