Festival queen looks back on her reign

By CHARLIE ANN FUHRER
As a little girl, I always dreamed of giving back to my community in any way I could. For as long as I can remember, the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival has been an integral part of my life along with the stories shared amongst my family. In sixth grade, I decided to do a project on the festival, not knowing that one day it would truly change my life forever. Serving as a page in 2013, the royal page in 2016, and finally, as the 90th queen in 2025, I have been shown that these moments remind me of how proud I am to have been raised in this community.
Throughout this year, I have carried on a legacy that I am so incredibly proud to follow. My grandmother Ann Giordano Roy served as queen in 1958, my mother Joellen Frances Roy Fuhrer served as queen in 1991, and my cousin Hailee Ann Thomas served as queen in 2014. These three women have truly paved the way for not only myself but for every queen to have come before me. I cannot thank them enough for showing me their unconditional love for this festival and the impact that it has on this area.
During the course of my reign, I had the great honor of traveling throughout this incredible state, promoting not only our festival but the two industries that are so vital to our community. After traveling over 15,000 miles, I attended 80 events, including touring the International Paper Mill in Bogalusa, picking the sweetest satsumas and navels in Plaquemines Parish, eating the best spaghetti in Independence, and picking the biggest strawberries in Ponchatoula.
The true highlight of my reign was being presented at the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras Ball in Washington, D.C. The overwhelming sense of pride that I felt representing this festival is something that I will carry with me forever. During my time in Washington, D.C., I was so grateful to have the opportunity to represent something greater than myself.
As I reflect on this past year, I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for every opportunity that has been presented to me. I am so grateful for every relationship made this past year, and I am truly blessed to have the honor of representing the festival that is near and dear to my heart. To my community, thank you for the honor of allowing me to represent all of you, and I hope that I have made you all proud. Lastly and most of all, thank you to the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival for making my wildest dreams come true. Representing this festival has been such a privilege and these memories will live with me forever.”
Charlie Ann Fuhrer
90th Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum
Festival Queen