A new Queen Dixie Gem Peach and Princess Peach were crowned Saturday night at the Dixie Theatre in downtown Ruston.
The title of Queen Dixie Gem Peach LXXIV was awarded to Ruston High School incoming junior
Stowie Richmond, daughter of Major Richmond and Bevin Sutton Hicks, and Lydia Mae Pender, the 5-year-old daughter of Sarah and Garrett Pender, earned the title of Princess Peach LXXIII.
Vying for the titles were 13 Princess Peach contestants ages 4-6 and six Queen Dixie Gem Peach contestants ages 14-17.
Richmond said participating in the pageant was a way to try something new for her as well as opening new opportunities to serve her community.
“I wanted to give myself an opportunity to hold a position that allows me to influence my community and get more involved in this amazing town of Ruston,” Richmond said. “I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be. There were so many incredible girls competing, and I truly believed so many of them deserved the crown. When I realized I had won, I was in complete shock. I mean it—I was not expecting that at all. But I’m so, so honored to be able to say I’m your Queen Dixie Gem.”
During her year as queen, Richmond said she hopes to have a big impact for the youth in Ruston.
“I want to help get them involved in organizations that promote inclusion and show every person that they belong,” she said. “I also hope to encourage people my age to get more connected to the special needs community here in Ruston. To help create opportunities where everyone feels loved, seen, and part of our Ruston family.”
Richmond’s court included first runner-up Landry Grace Tyler and second runner-up Madyson Parkman. Queen Dixie Gem Peach contestants competed in areas of private interview, outfit of choice, and evening wear.
For the Princess Peach, her parents said Lydia Mae had never participated in a pageant before, but they were so proud of her for trying something new and giving it her all.
“I love the Peach Festival and Ruston,” Pender said. “I was excited and joyful. I was happy to get the crown.”
Pender is a kindergarten student at A.E. Phillips. Her court included first runner-up Mickie Thomas and second runner-up Ava Kate Wallace. Princess Peach contestants participated in an ice cream social and private interviews with the judges on Thursday and Saturday graced the stage in evening wear
competition and a fun production number performance to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the new Lilo and Stitch movie.
“Liddy Mae is such a special girl to so many people,” Sara Pender said. “A little girl, but a big personality. She has kept us on her toes since the day she was born. Always happy, always kind and absolutely full of life. We were a little nervous since she’d never competed in a pageant before, but we were confident she’d shine bright. God has big plans for her, and she shines his light so beautifully.”
Other recognitions included the top ad sales award to Livvy Baker and the people’s choice award winners in each division: Mickie Thomas in Princess Peach and Annie James in Queen Dixie Gem Peach.
Pender and Richmond will spend the upcoming year representing Ruston’s Peach Festival as the pageant prepares to celebrate its 75th crowning next June in 2026.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.
Just
CLICK HERE
to sign up.
