The 77th annual Rice Festival is returning from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22, and the 2023 Rice Festival Queen’s dress, sponsored by OQ Chemicals, was revealed at the Lions Club luncheon at Bay City Country Club. New Beginnings Bridal in El Campo donated the queen’s crown, and Green Bros. Jewelry of Bay City donated the jewelry set. The Rice Festival Queen’s Pageant is on Oct. 14., offering scholarships of over $5,750 for Matagorda County high school seniors. Applications are available online with a submission deadline of Sept. 27th. This year’s contest location is yet to be determined.