By Erin Nicole Monica

Bonfire season is the part of the year that everyone looks forward too: cool weather, warm gumbo and family gatherings.

On Nov. 29, 2014, I had no idea that I would be chosen as Miss Festival of the Bonfires. After many weeks of practice and prayers, I had no idea that my name would be called.

The first girl from St. John Parish to capture the title, and I could not be more honored.

Throughout the year I have traveled to many pageants, festivals and balls to teach others about the unique tradition we hold so close to our hearts.

I have walked across many stages and many festivals while wearing this crown — confident and proud. I learned how to make gumbo in Bride City, went on a swamp tour and visited smoke houses in St. John, danced the night away at the Strawberry Ball, learned how to make a pot of jambalaya in Gonzales, took a tour of Poche Plantation and traveled all the way to the “toe” of Louisiana to celebrate the King’s Coronation for the Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival just to name a few things.

I never thought that the crown that was placed upon my head would have such an amazing impact on my life. I have met so many people, traveled to many new places and taught countless people about what the bonfires on Christmas Eve really mean.

None of this would be possible without the hardworking men and women who work year round to make the festival what it is today. There aren’t enough words to explain how much you are appreciated by, not only the people of St. James Parish, but also all of the people I have met from all over Louisiana. I have been told stories from people of all ages about their experiences at the Festival of the Bonfires and the bonfires on Christmas Eve. As my year comes to an end, I am so thankful for the experience I have been blessed with.

Although my days as the bonfire queen are coming to an end, I will always remember this experience and will always be your Miss Festival of the Bonfires XXV, Erin Nicole Monica.

By Kamryn Chanel Deslattes

The temperature slowly drops and the sugarcane grows tall; there’s nothing that can compare to a St. James Parish fall.

While most people dwell on autumn leaves and pumpkin spice, down here we crave our maw maw’s gumbo and rice.

Sticks line the levee, and we know the reason; it’s my favorite time of year — Bonfire Season.

For the past 365 days, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel and share our tradition with the state of Louisiana, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone.

I would like to thank everyone who made my journey one to remember. First, I would like to thank the Festival Committee for making last year’s festival a success, once again.

You don’t realize the work that goes into making the festival a hit until you get a behind-the-scenes look. Seeing the love and passion the members have to keep our tradition going only made me appreciate this title even more. I would also like to thank my parents for supporting me, not only financially, but emotionally. Thanks for letting me have this opportunity and making me into the person I am today.

I would like to thank my director, Mrs. Jade LeBlanc Poche. I am so happy I was able to be your first teen queen and so thankful to have a director who’s understanding of my very busy schedule.

Thanks for being awesome, and I know your next set of queens will be lucky to have a director as great as you. Last, but surely not least, I would like to thank God, thank you for blessing me with this opportunity.

Not only am I thankful for being able to travel this wonderful state, but by traveling and meeting new people I gained the virtue of being more open and outgoing. Thank you for pairing me with my queen match made in heaven, Erin, who I now call one of my best friends. So many blessings have come along in the last year that I would not trade for the world. Holding this title is something I proudly hold in my heart, and my reign is one I will never forget.

I am and forever will be your Teen Miss Festival of the Bonfires XVI, Kamryn Chanel Deslattes.