LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 13, 2018) –The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau recently held a community-wide Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest. Those entering ranged from school groups, clubs and organizations, professional divisions and residents of all ages.

Da’Jae R. Arthur took home first place and Logan Doyle was awarded second place in the Children’s Division.

First place winner in the Teen Division was Emma Istre.

Capturing first place in the Elementary School Division was Benjamin Godel’s class from Prien Elementary School. Jessica McInnis’ class from Prien Elementary landed second place honors, and Wendy Davis’ from Prien Elementary won third place.

Mary Donaldson’s class from Iowa Middle School took home first in the Middle School Division. Second place went to Nedia Crum’s class at Hamilton Christian Academy, and D’nea Stanley’s class at S.P. Arnett placed third.

In the Adult Division, Nedia Crum won first place followed by Betty Ellender in second place and Debra Sullivan in third place.

In the School Club/Organization Division, Morgan Darby’s class from Prien Lake Elementary won first place followed by Jody Burgin’s class from JI Watson Elementary.

Best of Show was awarded to Nedia Crum.

Visitors to the center can vote on their favorite shoebox float for the People’s Choice Award to be presented on Wednesday, February 14, at 10 a.m.

For more details on Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana, visit www.swlamardigras.com.