Northern RI Council of the Arts has already started search for 2020 Mardi Gras Queen

WOONSOCKET — The Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts is looking for the latest group of Mardi Gras Queen contestants while looking ahead to the annual February local event.

The Woonsocket Mardi Gras celebration, originally started in 1954 and running in its more recent edition every year since 1995, features a Queen Competition and selection of the princesses who will join her in the unmasking of the mysterious King Jace as part of the fun leading up to the annual Mardi Gras Ball in the St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center.

The Queen Competition is not a beauty pageant, it is a fundraiser, according to Nicole Riendeau, a member of the Mardi Gras Committee and Queen for 2017.

The Mardi Gras Queen and her two princesses are determined by which contestants raise the most from selling Mardi Gras Coronation, Ball and Raffle tickets.

The funds raised will be used to host the Northern RI Council of the Arts’ annual community events: the Mardi Gras Coronation, Mardi Gras Ball & French Heritage Festival.

The Queen and two Princesses will be announced at the Mardi Gras Coronation on Feb. 16, 2020, at Pomodoro Restaurant in Woonsocket and will reign over the Mardi Gras Ball on Feb.

22, 2020, at St. Ann Arts &

Cultural Center in Woonsocket.

Winners are awarded prizes and represent the

Mardi Gras on the Council’s float in next year’s Autumnfest parade.

Applicants should contact Nicole Riendeau at NMRien@gmail.com before Nov. 23, 2019 if interested in running.