On Friday, October 16, 1959, Senator John F. Kennedy and his wife were honored guests of the 23rd International Rice Festival.  Senator Kennedy gave a campaign speech seeking the Democratic nomination for the presidential campaign of 1960.  Hundreds of people were in attendance for this special occasion.  Senator and Mrs. Kennedy also crowned the 23rd International Rice Festival Queen, Miss Judy Haydel.  John F. Kennedy was the only president to visit Crowley.

 

On Saturday, May 31, 2008, the City of Crowley honored Senator Kennedy's visit with the unveiling of a memorial marker on the grounds of the Acadia Parish Court House where the senator gave his speech nearly fifty years before.  Along with many elected officials, Rice Festival representatives and royalty, the 23rd International Rice Festival Queen, Dr. Judy Haydel Henneberger, was present to describe what it was like to be crowned by the future President of the United States.  After the ceremony, a reception was held at City Hall.