The 86th International Rice Festival has selected Kevin Spell as President to preside over the 2023 festivities. The annual event is the oldest and largest agricultural festival in Louisiana. This year’s festival will be held October 19th to October 22nd in downtown Crowley. 

 

Kevin grew up in Crowley and is the son of the late Huey and Noalie Spell and younger brother of the late Randy Spell and older brother of Marc Fontenot. He graduated from Crowley High School of Acadia Parish in 1976 while earning a certificate in drafting from Acadia Vo-tech. He began working in the family business, Spell House Moving Inc., at an early age and continued until the late 80's when he relocated to Houston Texas. He started working for a large residential electrical contractor, then moved to a Field Manager position for Centex Homes Inc.

 

After meeting and marrying the love of his life, wife of 29 years, Lynn Spell, he came back home to Crowley and back in business as Spell House Raising and Leveling Inc. Having these experiences has given him the ability to relate to the struggles of the farming family business and the fight to maintain the tradition of passing down the family farm through multiple generations.

 

Kevin's love for the City of Crowley is evident through his involvement within the community. His contribution to the International Rice Festival began in 2005 working in the beer booth, being a member of the Hospitality committee, Chairman of the Carnival committee and also Chairman of the Staging committee. He has served on the IRF Board of Directors for six years and as Chairman of the festival in 2015. Kevin was honored to be awarded the President's Choice Award in 2021in appreciation for his 16 years of volunteering by then President Gilles Piron. He has served a term on the Crowley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as well as 2 terms on the Crowley Town Club board, serving two years as President.

 

Kevin, Lynn and their Family, Andrea, Cory, Krysta, Chris, Heidi and Ashtyn would like to dedicate this festival to the "Traditions and Dedicated Hard Work" that our Farmers continue year after year to help keep us all fed. Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!!

 

It is a great honor to serve and represent such an outstanding organization alongside so many hard working and dedicated volunteers. This is my Festival family and I feel very blessed to be a part of this grand celebration we call the International Rice Festival. Without all of you, it would not be possible. Please come out and enjoy our "Celebration of the Harvest".