By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — LaPlace resident Chris Cancienne once again proved he was worthy of The Dang Douille Trophy as he won the andouille eating contest for the second consecutive year at St. John the Baptist Parish’s 41st annual Andouille Festival Saturday.

Seven other contestants, including his brother, joined Cancienne during the contest, dubbed the Dang Douille Andouille Eating Contest.

During the competition, each contestant was provided an equal amount of andouille, and the first contestant to finish their portion was declared the winner. Cash prizes for first, second and third place were awarded.

Baileigh Rebowe, parish public information officer, hosted the contest and read the rules, some of which elicited laughter from the crowd, before the eating excitement began.

“You may only use your hands,” Rebowe said. “No non-body utensils are allowed as part of the contest. Participants may sit or stand during the competition.

“Contestants are not allowed to touch or attempt to swallow their opponent’s andouille. Doing so will result in immediate disqualification from the competition.”

Participants chewed vigorously and downed water during the competition, which took less than five minutes.

After Cancienne was confirmed as the first place winner and recipient of the trophy and $300, Pat White quickly finished his portion to secure second place and $200.

Shaman Bell was the third place winner of $100.

When Rebowe asked Cancienne what he was going to buy with his winnings, he quickly answered, “Diapers!”

Cancienne and his wife Aimee are expecting their second child this month.

Other contest participants included Jonathan Cancienne, Donna Vicknair, Tenzin Dawa, Riley Edwards and Erin Duhe.

As the 2014 Teen Andouille and Miss Andouille Queens, Edwards and Duhe reigned over the festival, participating in events and enjoying their first official duties as queens.

“Riley and I had a great weekend. It was filled with beautiful weather, great music and delicious food,” Duhe said. “We danced with the bands, rode the rides and spent time at each of the craft and food booths getting to know the vendors and thanking them for coming out to our festival.”

Duhe said she and Edwards had a great time at the festival, and were sad to see it end Sunday night, “but this is only the beginning of a wonderful year. We will make our parish and the Andouille Festival proud.”