Meet the SWINE FEST BOARD

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  • PRESIDENT

    In 2016, a classmate of mine—who was serving as President of the association at the time—asked if I’d be interested in becoming a member. Without hesitation, I said yes. I had volunteered in the past, but now that my kids were older, I had more time to get involved. I was soon voted in as a Board Member and appointed Entertainment Chairman.

    The following year, I was elected Treasurer, a role I proudly held for about five years, while also continuing to serve as Entertainment Chair, overseeing the Greasy Pig event, and acting as Co-Chairman for the Beer Booth.

    In 2023, I was nominated and elected Vice President of the association, all while maintaining my previous chair responsibilities. That same March, I was honored to be elected to the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission Board as a new board member.

    In 2024, I was elected President of the Swine Association and continued my involvement in all prior roles. I also advanced within the Tourism Board, taking on the position of Vice President.

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  • Hi, my name is Josie Ashford Laird. I am currently the Treasurer of the Swine Festival.

    In my 20’s I always volunteered with the pageants and cook-off and anywhere that was

    needed. Melissa the current president asked me to be the treasurer a couple of years

    ago and I gladly accepted. I hope everyone comes out and continues to support the

    Swine festival so our kids and community will have something to look forward to the

    First weekend of November.

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  • Janell Ashford member of Swine Festival over 30 years.. board meeting, Co director of pageants for 27 years, helped with parade , cook off , and greasy pig for several years!! 

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  • I have lived most of my life in Basile, La. and have enjoyed the La Swine Festival all my life. I have been a member of our great festival since 1995. I have served as President for 25 years and am currently serving  my 3rd year as Vice President. I am currently the Co Pageant Director and have been for the past 7 years. I have chaired many different events throughout the festival over the years. Entertainment Chairman 15 yrs., Beer Booth Chairman 10 yrs., Vendor Chairman 20 yrs., Greasy Pig Chase 5 yrs, Boudin Eating Contest 10 yrs., Hog Calling 10 yrs., Parade Chairman 5 yrs., Souvenir Chairman 20 yrs. Carnival Chairman 25 yrs. I have enjoyed volunteering my time throughout my years with the association to see everyone coming together and enjoying our small town festival. 

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  • Lacey Lemmons became involved with the Louisiana Swine Festival after attending for the first time in 2022 and immediately falling in love with its traditions and community spirit. Inspired by that experience, she pursued a deeper role in the festival and was honored to hold the title of Miss Louisiana Swine Festival, Queen 56, in 2023.

    During her reign, Lacey proudly represented the festival and built lasting connections within the community. Following her time as Queen, she made history as the first Queen to join the Louisiana Swine Festival Board of Directors. She continues to serve the festival as both a board member and chairman, dedicated to preserving its legacy while helping it grow for future generations.

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  • Susie 35 plus years off and on active with Swine, including children's pageant director and parade chairman most recently!

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  • I became involved with the Louisiana Swine Festival in 2023 when I volunteered to help with the pageant. Inspired by that experience and the sense of community it created, I decided to join the association. In 2025, I was honored to be voted in as Secretary of the association. I truly love this festival and everything it brings to our community, and I am proud to be a part of its traditions and future growth.

Smiling elderly woman wearing a light green t-shirt with red text and logo for Basil Louisiana Wine Festival.

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