2023 Balloon Festival queens
2023 MISS WASHINGTON PARISH BALLOON Festival Queen ASHLYN RAE VINING
Being crowned the 2023 and 1st Miss Washington Parish Balloon Festival Queen has been nothing short of incredible. I have embodied the pageant industry since I was a young girl so being a Louisiana Fairs and Festival Queens has truly been so rewarding. From the East to West and North to South, I have represented the Washington Parish Balloon Festival throughout our entire state of Louisiana in the most professional way possible. Throughout this journey I have met some of my best friends and have created a sisterhood bond that I will cherish for a lifetime. Experiencing the festival was absolutely amazing and I watched our community unite with laughs, cheers and of course, hot air balloon rides. I am forever blessed for this role and truly grateful to have grown as a person from this experience. My transparent love for my community, committee, family, friends, and festival is something that I wholeheartedly cherish.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who has the greatest hot air balloon festival of them all?
I am and forever will be your 2023 and 1st Miss Washington Parish Balloon Festival Queen,
Ashlyn Rae Vining.
2023 Miss Washington Parish Balloon FestivalTeen Miss Queen Lillian Bell
As your 2023 Teen Miss Washington Parish Balloon Festival Queen I cannot express how extremely proud and honored I am to represent this title. I am Lillian Alivia Bell, the 16- year- old daughter of Caleb and Amber Bell. I honestly believe that the Balloon Festivals two biggest fans are my 2 younger sisters, who have come to love the Balloon Festival just as much as any Teen Queen’s sisters should. I am a Junior at Bens Ford Christian School, water girl for the football team, a member of the BETA Club and National Honors Society. I am also a member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. Volunteering my time at a Therapy clinic during the summer helped me realize that one of my goals in life is to become a Pediatric Physical Therapist.
Soaring all over South Louisiana to represent this title has resulted in an amazing journey. Meeting other queens, tasting different kinds of Creole and Cajun food, (that I have never tasted) and learning about the Bayou state’s cultures has truly been an experience like no other. My very first hot air balloon flight and my crown flying off as we landed in a cow field would have to be the most awe-inspiring and laughable part of this journey so far.
This adventure throughout the beautiful State of Louisiana
will continue to live on in my heart forever. Flying over the state has often reminded me of a favorite Bible verse found in Colossians 3:2, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the Earth.” Life has taught me that if you keep God first in everything you do, you can achieve great heights. Stay tuned to see where I will be soaring next as your 2023 Teen Miss. Washington Parish Balloon Festival Queen,
Lillian Alivia Bell.
2023 Miss Washington Parish Balloon Festival Pre-Teen Queen Lynli Dufrene
I'm Lynli Dufrene, proudly holding the title of Miss Pre-Teen Queen at the Washington Parish Balloon Festival. At 13 years old, I have two younger brothers and a baby sister who are my biggest supporters. Currently, I'm a student at Ben’s Ford Christian School, where I not only play softball but also find my favorite subject in science. My dream is to attend LSU for Neonatal Nursing.
Hailing from South Louisiana, I relish in the offerings of the "Sportsman's Paradise" – from alligator hunting to frogging and duck hunting, I love it all! I'm also quite the racer, frequently claiming victory in my mini-wedge races on the thrilling dirt track. Winters are dedicated to deer hunting at our Mississippi cabin, with my proudest moment being a 7-year-old bagging a five-point buck.
When I'm not embracing the outdoors, I enjoy getting all dolled up to represent our fantastic Balloon Festival. I also make it a point to support other towns' festivals and queens. As for my reign, nothing beats the thrill of racing in a hot air balloon alongside our Queen, Ashlyn. Another cherished memory is participating in the MCCA parade to celebrate Mardi Gras in Bogalusa, LA, alongside Queen Ashlyn and Miss Teen Queen Lillian.