The 68th Miss Merry Christmas was crowned on Sept. 8 , and the 2024 Natchitoches Christmas Belles were announced. Thirteen young women competed for the title of Miss Merry Christmas and the distinction of being chosen as a Christmas Belle.

Layla Nicole Johnson was crowned Miss Merry Christmas 2024. Layla is a senior at Natchitoches Central High School. She is the daughter of Michael and Latricia Johnson. 

Six young women were chosen as Christmas Belles: Anderson Kelly (Senior at LSMSA), Bess Stewart (Senior at NCHS), Destanee Stewart (Senior at St. Mary’s), Campbell Morrow (Senior at NCHS), Huntar Goings (Senior at NCHS), and Ayla Payne (Senior at NCHS).

Anna Hobart received the Barbara Kirsch Memorial Miss Congeniality Award. The Barbara Kirsch Award was established to remember the positive influence Barbara had on others.

The Natchitoches Queens Pageant also featured local Miss and Teen titles, with the following young women being crowned during Saturday’s event: Miss Cane River’s Teen – Makenzie Tillery, Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Teen – Halle Campbell, Miss Natchitoches City of Lights – Leah Thompson, Miss Cane River – Gabrelle McLeod, Miss Natchitoches Parish – Makynli Delcambre, and Miss CENLA – Elyce Thomas.