The 20th Annual Viande Boucanée Pageant was held Sunday, June 17, 2012, at the Northside Civic Center. Three new queens were selected to represent the festival, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #632 and the City of Ville Platte for the next year.

Teen Miss: Ashlyn Soileau, the 16-year-old daughter of Mitch and Angela Soileau of Ville Platte, was chosen as Teen Miss Viande Boucanée. She is currently a student at Sacred Heart High School, where she is a member of the danceline, drama club, choir, FBLA and the campus apostolate. She also teaches catechism, works with the pro-life team and serves her community through pageantry. She also was the 2010 Junior Miss Ville Platte, served as a state FBLA officer and was offered a dance scholarship to a school in Chicago. Her future plans include attending law school at LSU to become a corporate attorney and one day run for senator to take part in the pro-life movement. Her hobbies include singing, dancing, acting, writing and competing in pageants. Megan Claire Moreau, the 15-year-old daughter of Robin and Debra Moreau of Hessmer, was chosen as first runner-up to the new queen.

Miss: Erin Michelle Ledet, the 20-year-old daughter of Zandra and Steven Brown and Darrell Ledet of Alexandria, was crowned Miss Viande Boucanée. The new queen is currently a student at LSU-Alexandria, where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education with the hope of making a difference in the lives of her students. Her hobbies include dancing, shopping, competing in pageants and spending time with her family and friends. Alexis Leigh Savant, the 17-year-old daughter of Laurie Daire and Bryan Savant of Ville Platte, was named first runner-up to the new Miss queen.

Ms.: The Ms. Viande Boucanée title went to Heather Elise Hickey-Fox of Baton Rouge. She is the daughter of Rhonda Hickey of Pineville and the late Gene Ewert and the wife of Lance Fox. She is no stranger to the Smoked Meat Festival, as she was also the 2009-2010 Miss Viande Boucanée. She received a degree in interdisciplinary studies from LSU and is currently employed as a licensed CSA with Regions Insurance. Her future plans include having a successful career in the insurance industry and rasing a family. She also plans to complete the masters program she began in 2011 to receive a masters degree in military history. Her hobbies include playing the violin, reading, cooking, spending time with her husband, family and friends, visiting historical sites and volunteering with local veterans organizations and VA hospitals. She is a member of the Livingston Parish Veteran’s Association and a supporting member of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Association.