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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8
BY SENATORS WHEAT AND MIZELL
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To recognize Monday, March 16, 2026, as Amite Oyster Festival Day at the Louisiana State
Capitol and to commend the Amite Oyster Festival for its historical, cultural, and
economic significance to the city of Amite, and Tangipahoa Parish for its enduring
legacy since 1976.
WHEREAS, the Amite Oyster Festival began as a one-day event known as "Amite
Oyster Day" on March 20, 1976, held at the Tangipahoa Parish Fair Grounds; and
WHEREAS, the festival was created to celebrate the oyster industry, which began
significantly contributing to the economy of the city of Amite and surrounding areas in the
1950s; and
WHEREAS, the growth of the local oyster industry is largely attributed to local
families whose hard work and dedication established oyster harvesting, processing, and
distribution as a vital economic driver in Tangipahoa Parish; and
WHEREAS, over the years, the Amite Oyster Festival has evolved from a single-day
celebration into a major multiday festival and spring tradition that attracts residents and
visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, the festival features a wide array of activities, including the preparation
and enjoyment of oysters in various forms, live musical entertainment, a carnival, parade,
vendor exhibits, and community gatherings; and
WHEREAS, a hallmark of the festival is its annual pageant, which has crowned a
festival queen each year since 1976, with many local families proudly passing down
participation in the royal court through multiple generations; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Miss Amite Oyster Festival Queen, Sarah Katherine Stant, was
born into the oyster industry and is honored to be this year's ambassador of the festival and
the values it upholds; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Amite Oyster Festival King, Douglas Kent, was selected for
his dedication to the festival and to the city of Amite; and
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WHEREAS, the 2026 Amite Oyster Festival Pearl, Amy Kent, was selected for her
community involvement and commitment to the festival and all of its events; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Amite Oyster Festival Grand Marshal, Carla Tate, was
selected by the board for her dedication and love not only for the Amite Oyster Festival, but
for the entire parish of Tangipahoa; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Teen Miss Amite Oyster Festival Queen, Julia van Mullem,
is honored to be a representative of the festival; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 chairman, Dawson Primes, has demonstrated leadership and
direction for a successful festival; and
WHEREAS, the Amite Oyster Festival serves as a celebration of the region's local
waters, cuisine, culture, and heritage, while honoring the families and traditions that helped
shape the community; and
WHEREAS, the festival continues to play a significant role in fostering community
pride, preserving local history, and promoting tourism and economic activity in Tangipahoa
Parish; and
WHEREAS, the fiftieth Amite Oyster Festival will be celebrated March 20 through
22, 2026, in Amite, Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize Monday, March 16, 2026, as Amite Oyster Festival Day at the Louisiana State
Capitol and commends the Amite Oyster Festival for its historical, cultural, and economic
significance to the city of Amite, and Tangipahoa Parish upon its fiftieth anniversary.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
2026 chairman of the Amite Oyster Festival, Dawson Primes.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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