Lucky 13

As Terrebonne’s award-winning Rougarou Festival approaches, excitement is brewing over the crowning of this year’s festival queen, Mrs. Courtney Bennett. Selected for her embodiment of the festival’s lively spirit and dedication to preserving regional traditions, Courtney is excited to bring a special twist to her reign as the Rougarou Festival’s 13th Queen. 

A native of Morgan City and a resident of Houma since 1984, Courtney graduated from Nicholls State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent many years working with children at her church’s preschool, organizing events at South Louisiana Center for the Arts Children’s Theatre, and teaching dance at the Paddy Danos School of Dance, alongside raising two amazing children. Throughout all of her community involvement, Courtney continued to grow her passion for makeup, theater, and creativity, pursuing a cosmetology license and now working as a hairstylist at Ambiance Salon in Houma. 

Courtney’s interest in designing hair, makeup, and costuming eventually led her right to the door of Houma’s Rougarou Fest. Courtney has been a Rougarou Witch in the annual Krewe-Ga-Rou Parade for many years, haunting the streets of Houma in elaborate costumes and makeup (which often take hours to complete). After years of dedication to the local festival, Courtney was honored to accept the title of 2024’s Rougarou Queen. 

“The first time I saw the Rougarou parade, I knew I had to be a part of it. I’ve been a member of the Rougarou Witches for so many years that when I was asked to be Queen, I was so honored and excited,” said Courtney. “I never thought that they would consider me for Queen, so it came as a total shock. I am so humbled by this opportunity.” 

One of the biggest responsibilities of the Rougarou Queen is the designing of their personal costume, as each Queen aims to bring a unique and spooky spin to their outfit. “My costume is inspired by the story of the fifolet,” explained Courtney. “In Louisiana folklore, the fifolet is a supernatural creature believed to be a type of mischievous spirit or fairy that appears as a glowing light, often seen floating over marshes, swamps, or other eerie, dark places. Lots of times, we mistake them for fireflies,” said Courtney playfully.

Much like the “will-o’-the-wisp,” the fifolet is a trickster that is said to lead people astray, often drawing them into dangerous or confusing situations in the local bayous. In some tales, encountering a fifolet might mean you’re about to face some misfortune or get lost – the lore around fifolets reflects the rich tapestry of Cajun and Creole folklore, blending elements of European, African, and Native American traditions to create this unique myth.

Courtney’s mythical inspiration will not only make for a great costume, but will also bring a new twist to the Krewe-Ga-Rou parade. “Alongside the zombies, witches, and other groups that walk in the parade, we will now have a group of fifolets too,” said Courtney. “Everything will be illuminated, with lit-up wings, costumes, fans, and more– they’ll flutter and float throughout the parade, and I think it will be a wonderful addition to the parade.”

In the spirit of the fifolet, Courtney’s costume (and the costumes of her fellow fifolets) will weave in rich shades of blue, oranges, purples, and more. However, the Rougarou Queen also hopes to include a subtle nod to the festival’s 13th year.  As the number 13 is considered to be an unlucky and haunting number, the Rougarou Festival’s 13th year is sure to be exceptionally spooky – and Courtney does not plan to let that go unnoticed. “Alongside my fifolet theme, I’m going to incorporate 13 pennies into my costume to honor this anniversary,” explained Courtney. 13 pennies also appear on this year’s Rougarou Festival official poster. 

In preparation to become Rougarou Queen, Courtney wishes to thank her hair and makeup stylist Dustin McElroy for his extensive help, alongside all the stylists at Ambiance Salon for their love and support throughout the process. Courtney also wishes to thank the seamstresses at Chez Lilli Bridal in Houma for helping to design and create her final fifolet costume. 

“Lastly, I would like to thank my parents, family, friends, and especially my husband and kids for always allowing me to be the crazy fun, creative person that you all know me to be. Without your loving support, I wouldn’t be me,” said Courtney. “I also want to thank Jonathan Foret with the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center for giving me the opportunity to be the 13th Rougarou Queen. I have had so much fun already, and I can’t wait for everyone to come out and enjoy the festival.” 

The Rougarou Fest, celebrating the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana, will take place October 18-20, 2024 in Houma. The festival will showcase live music, cultural activities, children’s activities, Cajun food, and of course, the Rougarou Queen. All proceeds go to the non-profit South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center. For more information, please visit their website at www.rougaroufest.org.