Teen Miss Boggy Bayou Chloe Brooke Childers:

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

“Being crowned the 2023 Teen Miss Boggy Bayou Festival has brought more opportunities and experiences than I had ever imagined,” declares 2023 Teen Miss Boggy Bayou Queen Chloe Brook Childers. She continues, “I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to travel the state of Louisiana, not only representing this festival title, but also telling everyone the meaning behind it. I have traveled to about 70 events and festivals throughout my reign, and having the opportunity to make countless memories while representing something I love was probably one of the best parts of it all.”
Childers, the 16-year-old daughter of Jennifer Brook Vidrine of Grand Prairie and granddaughter of Charlotte and Micheal James Vidrine, is a sophomore at Northwest High School. She is actively involved in Beta, 4-H and FFA. She serves as reporter for the Beta Club and has been a member of the tennis team for two years. As a member of 4-H, Childers is part of the Jr. Leaders and the Jr. Ag Leadership Program. Childers shares, “When I am not busy with all of my school activities you can usually find me shopping or spending quality time with my friends and family.” Following graduation from high school, Childers plans to attend Louisiana State University so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a Veterinary Tech Assistant.
In addition to the Teen Boggy Bayou title, Childers also held the title of Jr. Tournoi Queen in 2021, and she admits, “They both were absolutely amazing and provided me with so many opportunities. I couldn’t compare them to one another because they are both so meaningful to me and have given me more than I could have ever imagined.”
During her reign as queen, Childers has made many special memories and admits, “Out of all the memories I made throughout my whole reign, I would have to say that the most memorable ones were at the Boggy Bayou Festival itself. From riding rides, singing karaoke on stage, trying so hard for the hula hoop contest, not making it through the boudin eating contest, and bonding with the board, I will never forget the feeling of walking into the festival feeling so welcomed and loved. Besides the festival being one of my most highlighted moments, I would say that anytime I had my crown and banner on and being around my sister queens was the best experience.” She continues, “I have attended over 70 events throughout my reign, which were all filled with memories I will never forget, but some of my favorites were the Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival, tea parties, New Iberia Spanish Kings Ball, Cotton Festival Weekend, all of the parades, and of course one that I will never forget is when we got to bring the festival to Prairie Manor Nursing Home.”
To her successor, Childers says, “I want you to know that it is more than a crown and banner you are wearing. It is the Prairie Manor Nursing Home that you are here to show your love for. While you’re out representing, time flies, so make sure to have fun with it.” She adds, “I believe that anyone can be a good festival queen because every single person I meet I can find the potential in them, but it is up to them to want it. I feel like the main things you need are to be able to speak well, present yourself nicely, be willing to educate others, and always remember to smile and tell someone hi.”
“There are so many people who have made my reign very memorable,” Childers says, “but my Miss Queen, Faith (Billiot), has played the biggest part in it. Since day one she has become my best friend. From sleepovers, traveling, dancing to festival music, and cheering each other on in contests. I could not thank her enough for just being one of my biggest supporters through it all.”
Throughout her reign, Childers allows, “I have learned how much love a person can have for Prairie Manor Nursing Home. I also saw how much hard work a group of people can put in to have a festival. I learned how being a queen and traveling while telling people about the festival can really help to grow something. I was taught how to shake all the nerves out before getting up on stage to talk in front of hundreds of people, how to keep going if you make a mistake, and how to always support each girl you come across. Everything I have learned this past year is something I will use throughout the rest of my life and I am so glad I learned it while doing this.”