08/14/2026
🎉 It’s Friend Friday! This week we’re excited to introduce and thank our Friend and Board Member, Laura Fahnestock
I’ve lived in Fuquay-Varina for over 11 years, but I originally grew up in Raleigh before spending many years in Rocky Mount where I served as a law enforcement officer for over 24 years.
When the opportunity came up to apply for the Police Chief position in Fuquay-Varina, my husband Van and I came to town for a visit to see if this town would be the right fit. Our first stop was the FVDA office where we picked up an event schedule before exploring downtown, talking with residents and business owners, and grabbing a snack at Stick Boy Bakery. As soon as we returned home, I started working on my application!
Five months later, on June 1, 2015, I took my Oath of Office as Fuquay-Varina Police Chief and proudly served until my retirement in 2022 after more than 31 years in law enforcement. I was then recruited to become an FVDA Board Member, and I’ve continued volunteering ever since.
What I love most about Fuquay-Varina is the hometown southern charm and the way this community brings people together. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just arrived, people genuinely welcome you. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t run into someone new downtown and engage in a great conversation about Fuquay-Varina.
One of my favorite ways to spend a day downtown starts with an early morning walk through both downtowns with a smoothie from Stick Boy Bakery. I love seeing businesses open for the day, admiring the beauty of our older buildings and parks, and stopping by KnB’s Marketplace to check on my antique and vintage booth, Thistleclaw Vintage. Later I may grab lunch at Duke’s or Mason Jar, browse downtown shops for gifts. If we're out for dinner, then The Library is an excellent choice, and dessert usually involves a visit to Pints for Ice Cream! Saturdays at the Fuquay-Varina Growers Market are another favorite of mine.
It’s impossible to pick just one favorite downtown event, but the FVDA Trick-or-Treat event and the Town Tree Lighting with FVDA’s Sleigh Rides are at the top of my list. I volunteer every year at Halloween and love seeing children and families filling downtown in costume. The Tree Lighting event feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life — joyful, festive, and full of community spirit.
Being a Friend of FVDA allows me to continue giving back to the community I love. Retirement may have ended my law enforcement career, but it didn’t end my passion for serving Fuquay-Varina. I believe deeply in community engagement, preserving our downtown history and culture, and helping make this town even better for everyone who calls it home. ❤️
