Opelousas Imperial Yam Queens

02/22/2026

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02/21/2026

I just love this lady!!! Thanks Vera for the great picture! I loved seeing your Happy face on the parade route!

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02/16/2026

The Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Association proudly announces that Mrs. Candace Papillion-Haynes has been selected as Queen Lily VII for our 2026 Mardi Gras Season and will reign over our festivities.

A native of Opelousas, Louisiana, Candace brings to her reign the same spirit of leadership, grace, and community dedication that have long defined her professional and civic life. She currently serves as Business Development Officer at Catalyst Bank, where she contributes more than 20 years of experience in financial services, relationship building and community engagement.

Beyond her career, Candace is deeply woven into the civic and cultural fabric of St. Landry Parish. She is the current Board President of the Rotary Club of Opelousas and serves on the boards of St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Opelousas General Hospital Foundation, St. Landry Economic Development as Secretary, Opelousas Main Street, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, GWFC Opelousas Woman’s Club, and Louisiana Housing Corporation Board of Directors.

Her dedication to empowering others shines through her personal scholarship
endowments with both the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Krewe of Sheba supporting local students in pursuing their dreams. Candace’s belief in giving back also inspired her continued service within the Mardi Gras tradition, most recently as a member of the 2024 Imperial Mardi Gras Court and the Opelousas Imperial Yam Queens.

Guided by her lifelong faith and grounded in her membership at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Mallet, Candace embraces her role as Queen Lilly with humility, gratitude, and pride in her hometown. She looks forward to representing Opelousas with the same joy, generosity, and dedication that have defined her every chapter of her journey.

As Queen Lilly VII, Candace Papillion-Haynes embodies the essence of Mardi
Gras...honoring heritage, celebrating community, and leading with heart.

***Photo credit: Susan Angelle Photography***
**Photo taken on site at Hotel Klaus **

02/16/2026

02/16/2026

Bout to BLOW it up!! Ball’s coming!!! Parade prep!

02/16/2026

This Yam Queen is ready to Rollllllllll! Thankyou Melanie for creating her for me!!! I love it! We are always happy to see the kids as well as the big kids faces on the parade route! Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Parade let’s roll! 11 AM Opelousas, Louisiana. Don’t miss it. You might get lucky and get a Yammie!

02/16/2026

Happy Valentines Yam 🍠 Fans!!! Getting strength and Prepping for Tuesday with Yam Queens Favorite Food, sprinkled with my Favorite Spice!! Look 👀 for the bright orange bags with the spice in them at the parade!! If you would like to purchase some contact us here! Yam Spice Delight! It’s got a lil kick!!! 😋

02/16/2026

Last of the ready to Roll! Come out to the parade and be one of the lucky ones to grab a beautiful Yam! Then don’t forget to post a picture of you with it to !!!We want to see you with that beautiful 🍠 Yam, we worked so hard on!