Our Past Queens

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1953 - Barbara Putman

The first celebration, “A Salute to the Oil Industry.” Congressman Jack Brooks crowned Barbara Putnam on the steps of the Jefferson County sub-courthouse, with velvet drapes covering the doors, serving as a backdrop for the stage. Neither the threat of rain, nor mosquitos, kept spectators from attending the ceremony. Events such as the Hat Breakfast, street parade and a picnic on the grounds of Rose Hill Manor made this premier cavOILcade a success.

1954 - Jackie Simonton

The Queen’s coronation was moved to Thursday night, so that the Queen could reign over the weekend festivities. Wayne Dunham began a 29-year “career” designing the backdrops for coronations.

1955 - Mary Byram

1956 - Darlene Jacobs

1957 - Patsy Gerbens

1958 - Ann Brannon

1959 - Trinell Dufour

1960 - Anne Lofton

The Pleasure Pier Ballroom was remodeled for cavOILcade activities, including the Queen’s coronation.

1961 - Leni Anderson

She was the first Queen to have her picture appear in color in The Port Arthur News.

1962 - Karen Sealey

1963 - Peggy Gralino

1964 - Alice Dumesnil

Alice represented Port Arthur at the opening of the Astrodome in Houston during her reign as queen and was selected Miss Astro.

1965 - Helen Smith

1966 - Ida Cloar

The theme of this cavOILcade was “Ports of Call,” to celebrate the opening of the new Port of Port Arthur.

1967 - Gretchen Leuders

The only bridge to Pleasure Pier was wrecked one week before the celebration began, but all events were successfully rescheduled on the mainland.

1968 - Candy Carr

1969 - Debbie Nunez

1970 - Mary Barrilleaux

The new bridge to Pleasure Island opened, allowing easier access to cavOILcade events.

1971 - Beth Hansen

1972 - Kara Angelle

1973 - Kathryn Singletary

1974 - Lydia Garcia

1975 - Deborah Bowling

1976 - Lynn McPherson

1977 - Desiree Leon

For the 25th anniversary of cavOILcade, 18 of the 24 queens returned for the Silver Celebration.

1978 - Rhonda Strange

1979 - Kathy Wilkins

1980 - Cheryl Reynolds

This year, the coronation was moved to the new Port Arthur Civic Center.

1981 - Lisa Holstead

1982 - Paige Lawson

1983 - Christina DeLeon

1984 - Carlana Guidry

Hazel Baron retires as the first Executive Director.

1985 - April Weeks

Joyce Bowden is Executive Director.

1986 - Christina Chirafis

For the first time, a female, Sydalise Fredeman, was named general chairperson of the festival. Brenda Drago is the new Executive Director.

1987 - Christi Carter

1988 - Heather Griffin

First queen from outside of Port Arthur. She was from Port Neches.

1989 - Jenni Dickerson

1990 - Tracy Christie

1991 - LaRae Rising

Jeweler Ed Turnbull, who created the first cavOILcade charm, offered $100.00 to the past princess that could deliver the oldest charm.

1992 - Maura Parker

1993 - Shandi Schrader

Debbie Neef is introduced as Executive Director.

1994 - Randi Balsamo

Wayne Dunham retired as stage designer and passed the torch to Todd Clark.

1995 - Kayla Lemaire

1996 - Christina Carvajal

She is the first queen whose mother, Alice Dumesnil, also held the crown in 1964. Patty Oltremari was introduced as the new Executive Director

1997 - Ranoda McClain

1998 - Amanda Joffrion

1999 - Natalie Beaugh

2000 - Staci Barnett

As cavOILcade queen, Staci also held the title of Miss Spindletop.

2001 - Dominique Marroquin

2002 - Mallory Romero

cavOILcade’s Golden Era: Let’s Rock and Roll, was the theme for cavOILcade’s 50th anniversary celebration. Pam Trosclair was introduced as Executive Director.

2003 - Heidi Todd

2004 - Dana Falgout

2005 - Erin Placette

2006 - Kristina Lindsey

2007 - Alora Rutledge

2008 - Nica Folse

2009 - Danielle Chelette

2010 - Jessica Brown

2011 - Cassandra Jaramillo

2012 - Gabrielle Jordan

cavOILcade celebrated its 60th anniversary. 

2013 - Hannah LaCour

2014 - Armani Alpough

2015 - Marissa Jacquet

2016 - Taryn Crochet

2017 - Aisha Vaughn

The first queen attending Sabine Pass High School.

2018 - Asa Lewis

2019 - Maria Contreras

2020 - Sierra Wiltz

2021 - Kristin Hebert

2022 - Trisha Almaraz

2023 - Taylor Bui