Congratulations

A word from our Queen - Lindsey Prima

A year ago this week I was so excited and a little nervous to compete for the newest festival to Tangipahoa Parish, the Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival Pageant. I had not really thought about competing until Beth Boudreaux, my cousin, who was also my best friend suggested that I try for this title. Although I had competed in pageants as a young girl, I had not competed in a long time. Beth kept telling me it would be fun and being from a Sicilian family I knew they would be proud if I won. So I agreed. The day came and all of my family came to cheer me on including Beth. When they announced me as the first Independence Sicilian Festival Queen I was so excited. So many pictures were taken after with many friends and family. Mrs. Kim Ragusa my pageant director gave me a list of events that I would be attending in two weeks leading up to the very first festival. I went home that night and was so happy I thought life is great.
The following weekend Beth and I went out to celebrate a mutal friends birthday. Little did I know that night would change my life forever. Everyone knows on March 6th as Beth and I walked to a friends house my beautiful cousin was killed.
I attended the festival the following weekend knowing in my heart that Beth would want me to continue my duties as Independence Sicilian Festival Queen. It rained for our first festival but people had such a great time seeing friends and family they had not seen in awhile. The smells of all the great Sicilian food lifted everyone’s spirits.
I have met so many wonderful people this year. I have learned so much from so many different people and some have become like a second family to me. I have been to so many place around our beautiful state. Not only locally but to other parishes and cities and with each place have made friends and learned new things that I know I will keep in my heart for a lifetime. I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to spread my Sicilian heritage this year. And I know Beth, as always, was keeping me safe through all my travels.
I close out this year with such a bitter-sweet feeling. This year has been such a roller-coaster ride. I am so sad to know that I will have to give up a title that has meant the world to me but so happy to give someone else the opportunity of a lifetime. I am even more excited to know that like last year, no matter what the weather, the food, people, and entertainment will be so great. I can hardly wait to get my hands on some true SWEET spaghetti and listen to fantastic music. And knowing my Beth will be looking down on me enjoying the great time with me makes me even more excited!  I want to thank the festival board for being so supportive during the lost of Beth and also treating me like a queen all year long.  They truly have brought back the Sicilian heritage to Independence.
So leave your shoes at home cause we’re bringin’ back dancing’ in the streets. We have spaghetti, lasagna, and lots of Italian treats; Cannolis and Italian iced tea just to name a few….Independence, Louisiana, there’s just so much to do! I am asking everyone to come join me March 12, 13, and 14 in downtown Independence for the 2nd Annual Sicilian Heritage Festival. See you then!!!!!!
And remember, please be responsible and don’t drink and drive this festival season. The choice you make could effect other people!