Katherine Conner Brindell will rule as Queen of Carnival Memphis during our 75th anniversary celebration. With contagious energy and enthusiasm, Queen Katie is well suited for the throne this year.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Brindell, Jr. our lovely queen descends from an impressive royal lineage. Her father, Charlie, served as King of Carnival in 1993, representing the real estate and construction industries. Katie's first taste of carnival life was in her role as a royal page to King Charlie. Ronell, the queen mother, was a Memphi Duchess in 1995. In 1998, Queen Katie was selected to be a  Page to Memphi Queen Lida Bross. Jennifer Brindell Pembroke, our Queen's sister, served as Special Princess to President Bruce Hopkins in 1999 and later graced the throne as Carnival Queen in 2001. Last year, Queen Katie was chosen to be the Chairman's Princess. As a member of the 2005 Royal Court, Katie not only reveled in the evening activities, but took advantage of the opportunity to visit hospitals, charities and convalescent centers during the day. Upon reflection, Katie cherishes those experiences most: "As a member of the court last year and through participation in the day runs, I was able to see, first hand, the amazing work that Carnival does throughout the Mid-South and the joy it brings to so many different people. The fact that this will be Carnival's 75th year is also a wonderful statement about the great things that this fine organization has accomplished over the years!  I have grown up with Carnival as an exciting part of my life and It is an honor to carry on the family tradition.   I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with so many deserving charities this year, and I can't wait for Carnival to begin!"

Queen Katie attended The Darlington School in Rome, Georgia where she frequently distinguished herself as a leader. As a junior, Katie served as Religious Prefect of her dormitory. She was elected Head Prefect in her senior year.  Katie was responsible for overseeing eight prefects in her dorm and ensuring that all aspects of dorm life ran smoothly.  Katie was a  volunteer for S.O.A.R., the student component of  Darlington’s Annual Fund.  She had the distinction of being the largest student fundraiser for two consecutive years.   She was also appointed as student liason to the Board of Trustees and was one of only two student development officers working with the Darlington Development Office. Katie also found time to compete as a member of the varsity swim team and soccer team.  Queen Katie was both a junior varsity and varsity cheerleader and received the award for most improved cheerleader her junior year.  She also served as captain of the varsity basketball cheer squad.   Upon graduation, Katie received the John Glenn Award for Achievement as well as a special award from the Rome Rotary Club.

Katie’s love for children and the outdoors is evidenced by her time spent as a counselor at Camp Ozark during the past two summers.

Now majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, Queen Katie is a rising junior at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She is an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and holds the office of Assistan Pledge Educator; last year Katie received Pi Beta Phi's Sunshine Pledge Award. Her warmth and outgoing personality make her a favorite of all. Katie values her time spent in service to others and volunteers at the Women's Shelter and at the Cook's Children's Medical Center, both in Ft. Worth. She is also an active member of Reformed University Fellowship at TCU.

Queen Katie is indeed a beauty, both inside and outside. Her enthusiasm for Carnival and all that it represents is infectious, and her kindness and humility is endearing. Carnival Memphis is indeed fortunate to have Queen Katie reign as we celebrate seventy-five years of the Party with a Purpose!