By Shanna Perkins/ Photos By Fushion Photography

Stars of Style, the premiere fundraising gala for the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair Association, will return on Friday, July 22. But this year, guests can expect a few exciting changes. In their first year at the position, Co-Chairs Phyllis Mata and Lisa Lourd are anxious to return to the elegance of the event’s inception 75 years ago.  

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“It’s the 75th anniversary of Stars of Style, which began as Best Dressed of the Teche, and we want it to be a very elegant and sophisticated evening,” explains Co-Chair Phyllis Mata. “Because it’s a big anniversary, we want to return some of the former splendor of the original event and of the festival.”

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For the first time, the event will be held at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel in Charenton. In years past, each Stars Of Style honoree would perform a skit on stage. This year, they will be presented once in formal attire. In lieu of skits, Mata and Lourd have arraigned for two surprise performances that are closely related to the history and grandiose of the Sugar Cane Festival. 

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Another important distinction is that this year’s event is not about clothes – it’s about style. The honorees were selected by what they represent to the community and to the sugar cane industry.

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“We’ve chosen very longstanding members of the community as our honorees,” states Co-Chair Lisa Lourd. “We have a diverse crowd from around Acadiana. Historically, Festival and all of the events surrounding it were big social affairs. We’re hoping to capture that feeling again.”

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And while there are many more changes and surprises in store for the attendees of Stars of Style, one of the new elements that has been added involves the entire community. As an easy and fun means to generate more funds for the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair Association, Mata and Lourd have decided to add a voting element. Fans will vote for their favorite honoree to be named Top of the Crop. Voting is simple; all you have to do is click the link below the image of the contestant you wish to vote for.

 Each vote is $1 with a $5 minimum. 

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As always, stay tuned for our July issue to see each contestant’s full bio and to learn more about all of the surprises in store for the 2016 Stars of Style Gala. 

Al Landry

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/535

Dr. Luis Alvarez

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/536

Andree Schlicher

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/537

Carolyn Doerle Schumacher

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/538

Chad Courtois

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/539

Charlie Babineaux

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/540

Charlie Levert

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/541

Dr. Charles Guidry

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/542

Elaine Drago

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/543

Fallyn Gonsoulin

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/544

Gail Boudreaux

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/545

Hilda Daigre Curry

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/546

Imani Guillory-Fruge’

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/547

Jamie Peet Halphen

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/548

Marcelle Bienvenu Lasserre

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/549

Nessie Laviolette

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/550

Perry Segura

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/551

Rene’ Simon

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/552

Robbie Dale David

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/553

Scott Angelle

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/554

TK Hulin

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/555

Wilson Viator

https://votdo.com/campaigns/top-of-the-crop-contest/556

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors receive free VIP seating and signage on the step & repeat. For more information on how to become a sponsor, contact Phyllis Mata: phyllis11256@gmail.com or Lisa Lourd: lisa.lourd@gmail.com.