THE HISTORY OF THE
CROWLEY INTERNATIONAL RICE FESTIVAL
One mans vision and determination highlighted the path of success for rice contravention in the city of Crowley as we know it today. Salmon (Sol) Lusk Wright, rice farmer and scientist revolutionized the rice industry with scientifically sound farming techniques that were clearly ahead of his time.
As the need for education in rice cultivation increased, Wright quickly stood up to the plate to assist those interested in his advice, through newspaper and other forms of agricultural publications. On February 9, 1929, Wright passed away quietly at his home, but not before witnessing the communities first celebration of his success. While crowned as King of rice, Wright was honored along side his daughter, Edith as queen On September 21, 1927. It was the communities first celebration of the industry that made them famous. The following year's celebration introduced another candidate as king, Mayor Hugh Brunson and Miss Margret Francez as Queen, and so the tradition began. With the stock market crashing in 1929, the celebration was postponed for a few years thereafter.
The next celebration would be held on October 5, 1937; the founder of Crowley's birthday. State Commissioner of Agriculture, Harry D. Wilson began searching for promotional ideas to spotlight Louisiana crops and felt that rice was of prime importance. Upon presenting his idea to State Representative N. Smith Hoffpauir, Wilson brought the idea home to local business owners, who were equally enthusiastic and supportive. Soon thereafter, co-chairman organizers were chosen and with full funding provided by local business owners, plans were underway.
On the morning of Crowley's first International Rice Festival, the day began with the sounds of LSU's 208 piece band. The atmosphere was filled with celebration as Mike the Tiger and the cheerleaders led the community to Levy Park, where a granite memorial in the honor of the cities founders was unveiled.
Just as in the earlier celebration, a queen was chosen to represent the rice industry. It was not until 1939 that the festival was turned over to the Crowley Business Club; a civic organization.
After the flood of 1940, the festival was held as a moral builder and that particular year it was held for two consecutive days, being Crowley's first two day celebration.
With the onset of WWII, Crowley's International Rice Festival would be the final celebration before the city once again faced life's difficulties. However, it would resume even brighter once wartime was over. On October 17 and 18, 1946, consuls of seventeen foreign countries attended the celebration as honored guest. Life Magazine and WWL radio, out of New Orleans covered the event.
The fifties brought changes as the festival was incorporated and re-organized. Membership fees and state funding paid for the event each year until 1958 when state funding was no longer available. That year, the Festival Building and Livestock Exhibit Building was built.
Senator and Mrs. John F. Kennedy visited the festival in 1959 while on his campaign for presidency, and in 1960 Senator Barry Goldwater was honored guest.
The seventies brought a massive growth and development to the festival and in 1981, the festival became a self sustaining organization with board members. Internationally recognized, the festival has been publicized across the globe. Today, it is known as Louisiana's oldest harvest festival.