fair tab 2014 for web

WASHINGTON PARISH FREE FAIR 20142 The Daily NewsOCTOBER 12, 2014

I, Richard N. Thomas, Jr., President of Washington Parish would like to take this oppor-tunity to “WELCOME” you to the Washington Parish Free Fair. Each year during the third week of October, Washington Parish and Franklinton host the “Largest Free Fair in the United States.”

Fairgoers come home to reconnect with old friends, family and to enjoy a four-day celebration of food, fun and fes-tivities that are family friendly. “The Fair with the Picnic Spirit,” now in its 103rd year, brings many newcomers each year, and we welcome you all to

experience our parish fair that we all love so much.

Whether you spend a few hours or the whole week on the fairgrounds, I hope that you have a great experience, make memories with your family and use the Daily News Fair Edition as your guide for all the events that are at the fair to enjoy.

I would be remiss if I did not thank the many volunteers for their time and efforts. Without their many tireless hours, this fair would not be possible.

I hope that you enjoy your time spent at the fair and come back to visit Washington Parish throughout the year.

A few words from the parish president

THOMAS

WASHINGTON PARISH FREE FAIR 2014 3The Daily News OCTOBER 12, 2014

Table of Contents

Map of the Fairgrounds 7

Fair T-Shirt 8

Fair Poster 10

Fair Honoree 11

Old McDonald’s Farm 12

Office Closures 13

Mile Branch Settlement Schedule 14

Fair Stage Schedule 16-17

Rockin’ Dopsie 18

Erick Kand, Hypnotist 20

Na Na Sha 21

Swamp People 22

Fair Honor Roll 23

Mile Branch Calendar 25

Rules for Senior Promenade 26

Rodeo 28

Down By the Branch Entertainment 32

Fair Parking and Traffic 35

Fair Crossword Puzzle 38

Mile Branch Quilt Raffle 40

Fair 5K 41

Fair Queen 42

Art Association 46

Mile Branch Honoree 48

Memories of the Fair 54


Fair T-shirt

DAILY NEWS PHOTO/David Vitrano

This year’s Washington Parish Free Fair T-shirt was designed by Summer Stewart, a Talented Art Teacher in Franklinton. The shirts will be on sale during the fair for $16.


Fair poster pulls together best the event has to offerBY CHRIS KINKAIDTHE DAILY NEWS

Franklinton High School teacher Taffenie Mizell won the contest to design the Washington Parish Free Fair poster by bringing in many different aspects of the fair to her design.

“I went to City Hall and looked at the posters from the past,” Mizell said. “I wanted to do something dif-ferent. I wanted to incorporate a lot of things from the past. I tried to hit all of the different parts of the fair so that it would appeal not just to a select group of people.”

Mizell, who teaches talented art at Franklinton, said she is very pleased with it.

“The posters are realistic,” Mizell said. “You can see the canvas. I was happy with both ends, my end and the printing end.”

Kay Bell, who is on the poster com-mittee, said the poster is a montage collection of what the fair is on the

grounds as well as what the fair means.

“It’s realistic items from the fair like the rodeo, the flower house, the art building, and concessions with funnel cake is very prominent,” said Bell, who taught Mizell talented art at FHS. “Every part with the fair is offered. Nothing is left unturned. It has a blue background that reflects the items very well.”

Bell, who taught at Franklinton for 31 years, said this is Mizell’s first attempt at a poster for the fair.

“She did one for the sesquicenten-nial for Franklinton in 2011, and again she filled it with things that are familiar to Washington Parish,” Bell said. “She went with the same theme this year and pulled it off.”

The posters cost $35 for an artist proof, $20 for a regular poster and the artist remarque is an additional $15 to any poster.

The posters will be on sale at the Adult Fine Arts Building across from the stage during the fair.

The 2014 Washington Parish Free Fair poster was designed by Taffe-nie Mizell, a teacher from Franklinton. It combines many popu-lar elements of the fair, giving the poster a broad appeal.


2014 fair honoree worked a lifetime for designationBY RANDY HAMMONSTHE DAILY NEWS

For 2014, the Washington Parish Free Fair honored one of its own.

Franklinton native Keith Fussell is this year’s hon-oree.

“This is a very big honor,” Fussell said. “After a life-time of dedication to the fair, this is my reward.”

Fussell and his family have dedicated their lives to supporting the fair.

“My grandparents were volunteers. My dad, Winston, was on the Board of Directors for many years until he passed and is on the Honor Roll of Stars,” he said. “I just continue the Fussell legacy. My daughter, Katie, is in charge of the Lost and Found Committee.”

Fussell has served on

the Fair Membership Committee, the 100th Anniversary Planning Committee in 2011, the Parade Committee and chaired the Parish Courthouse Flag Raising Ceremony for several years. His active participa-tion includes selection to a four-year term on the Fair Executive Board, fair vice president for 2010-2011 and fair president from 2012-2013.

During his term as fair president, there were some notable improvements at the fair site. Among them were the fence being replaced between Mile Branch Settlement and the Midway; two buildings, which had housed Lost and Found, First Aid and the Senior Citizen’s Office, being removed and a new building

being created; the painting of the armory and Women’s buildings; and the replace-ment of the ramp on the side of the stage. Also, the build-ing housing the stage was revitalized with a new coat-ing that should make it last for years to come.

Fussell is a 1973 Franklinton High School graduate. He is the son of

Winston and Doris Crain Fussell. He received his B.S. degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1977. He began his employ-ment at Murphy Bateman Ace Hardware before his graduation from college and is employed there today. He is a lifetime member of Fisher Methodist Church and is a member of the Advisory Troop Committee for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

Fussell and his wife, Suzanna Fussell, have been married for 31 years. The couple has a son, Jason Shuman, who lives in Cedartown, Ga., with his wife, Cassie. Daughter Kate lives in Franklinton and is employed as the social services director at Forest Manor Nursing Home in Covington.

“I’ve always looked for-ward to selling membership tickets in front of the stage and finding out where peo-ple are from,” Fussell said. “People call in from all over to find out the exact dates of the fair so they can schedule vacation and come to the fair. It’s always the third Wednesday of October.”

Fussell said volunteers make the fair successful.

“The fair has so many volunteers, and they all do their job. It all comes togeth-er with hundreds of volun-teers. It all comes together and fits like a program.”

Fussell said he eagerly anticipates every fair.

“This never gets old,” Fussell said. “Just seeing the people and expressions on the children’s faces make it all worthwhile. We all care because we love it.”

KEITH FUSSELL


A number of parish govern-ment and school board offices will have their hours of operation reduced next week because of the Washington Parish Free Fair, which is scheduled for Oct. 15 to 18.

Franklinton City Hall is open all day on Monday and Tuesday of next week and closed on Wednesday. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday.

Bogalusa City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Friday.

The Washington Parish Government offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and closed all day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. That includes the Tax Assessor’s Office, Clerk of Court and Registrar of Voters.

All branches of the Washington

Parish Library are open Monday and Tuesday and closed on Wednesday and Saturday. The branches are open from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday and Friday.

United States Post Offices in Bogalusa and Franklinton will be closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day. The Bogalusa Post Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 through the rest of the work week. The drive-up window is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The Washington Parish School Board office is open for regular hours on Monday and Tuesday, and open from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Thursday. The office is closed Friday.

The Bogalusa School Board office is closed all next week.

Northshore Charter School will be closed all next week.

Some governmental offices closing for fair


Mile Branch Settlement ScheduleWednesday

Hours: Noon-8 p.m.• Mile Branch Settlement Hon-orees – 2 p.m. – Dance Floor (Honoree: Hoyt L. “Chick” Boyd)

ThursdayHours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.• Herbal Remedies – 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Knight Cabin Porch• Senior Ladies Promenade – 1:30 p.m. – King Cabin Porch• Spelling Bee – 4 p.m. – Mt. Hermon School• Seniors with Attitude – 4 p.m. – Dance Floor

Friday Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.• Herbal Remedies – 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Knight Cabin Porch• Pie Eating Contest – 2 p.m. –

Every age invited to participate• Husband Calling Contest – 4 p.m. – King Porch• Southern Cloggers – 4:30-till – Dance Floor

SaturdayHours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.•Dulcemer Club – 10 a.m. – • Cloggers and Square Dancers – 5 p.m.-till

On offer every day: Antique Tractors, Cracklin’ Cooking, Mu-sic on Porches, General Store, Quilters, Period Historical Pre-sentations, West Florida Repub-lic, Corn Grinding, Hot Roasted Peanuts, Syrup Making, Johnson Cabin, Quilt Raffle, Soap Mak-ing, Wood Stove Cooking


Tuesday, Oct. 145:30 p.m. — Franklinton High School Band (Bell Tower)6 p.m. — Opening ceremony7 p.m. — Franklinton High School Jazz Band8 p.m. — Washington Parish Fair Queen Contest

Wednesday, Oct. 1510 a.m. — Fair parade11:50 a.m. — Welcome and Invocation12 p.m. — Amanda Shaw12:45 p.m. — Franklinton High School Marine Corps Jr. ROTC Armed Drill Team1 p.m. — Franklinton High School Band 1:30 p.m. — Parade winners announced2 p.m. — Franklinton Junior High School Band2:30 p.m. — Varnado High School Band3 p.m. — Bogalusa High School Band3:30 p.m. — Amanda Shaw4 p.m. — Sound check5:30 p.m. — Redemption Family6:30 p.m. — Sound check6:45 p.m. — Mystery person /Ticket sales7 p.m. — Lee Williams8 p.m. — Set change8:30 p.m. — Parmalee

Thursday, Oct. 169:50 a.m. — Welcome and invocation10 a.m. — Enon Elementary Chorus10:30 a.m. — Bowling Green Elementary Chorus11 a.m. — Wesley Ray Elementary Chorus11:30 a.m. — Byrd Avenue Elementary Chorus12 p.m. — Central Elementary Chorus12:30 p.m. — Franklinton Primary Chorus1 p.m. — Franklinton Elementary Chorus1:30 p.m. — Varnado High School Chorus2 p.m. — Bogalusa High School Chorus2:30 p.m. — Franklinton Junior High Chorus3 p.m. — Franklinton High School Chorus3:30 p.m. — Erick Kand, hypnotist4:30 p.m. — Sound check5:30 p.m. — Erick Kand, hypnotist6:45 p.m. — Mystery person

Fair Stage Schedule


Fair Stage Schedule7:15 p.m. — Supercharger8:30 p.m. — Set change9 p.m. — Jamie Lynn Spears

Friday, Oct. 179:50 a.m. — Welcome and invocation10 a.m. — Timber Dolls10:20 a.m. — Pine Raiderettes10:40 a.m. — Pine Dazzlers11 a.m. — Bowling Green Dancing Dolls11:20 a.m. — Bowling Green treasures11:40 a.m. — Bowling Green Bucacanettes12 p.m. — Mount Hermon Jackettes12:20 p.m. — TBA2 p.m. — Baby Contest winners announced2:30 p.m. — Mount Zion Church3 p.m. — Sound check4 p.m. — Erick Kand, hypnotist5 p.m. — Load In6 p.m. — Erick Kand, hypnotist7 p.m. — Mystery person7:15 p.m. — River City Hit Squad8:30 p.m. — Set change9 p.m. — Tracy Lawrence

Saturday, Oct. 189:20 a.m. — Welcome and invocation9:30 a.m. — Magic Moments10 a.m. — Donna’s Dancers10:30 a.m. — Southern Sass11 a.m. — The O’Bryant Dance Co.11:30 a.m. — Dance Pizazz12 p.m. — Ash Kay Performing Arts12:30 p.m. — Dawn’s School of Dance1 p.m. — Dancers Edge1:30 p.m. — Fiddlers and Harmonica Show2:45 p.m. — Cotton Candy eating contest/sound check4 p.m. — Nonc Nu Cajun Zydeco5:15 p.m. — Na Na Sha7 p.m. — Mystery person7:30 p.m. — Rockin’ Dopsie Jr.8 p.m. — Set change9:15 p.m. — Five Finger Discount

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS


Rockin’ Dopsie playing for first time since ‘08

BY RANDY HAMMONSTHE DAILY NEWS

Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. said he was beginning to think that he had somehow offended someone in the Franklinton area since he hadn’t been asked to perform at the Washington Parish Free Fair since 2008.

“I’m looking forward to perform-ing there again. I think we came on after Percy Sledge the last time. It was some really great people, and I really enjoyed it. I was wondering when they were going to call me back. I guess they didn’t like my dancing,” Dopsie said, tongue plant-ed firmly in cheek.

The Washington Parish Free Fair in Franklinton is scheduled for Oct. 15 to 18. Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters perform at 7:30 p.m. on Oct.

18.Part of what is known as “Zydeco’s

Royal Family,” Dopsie is known for the boundless energy on stage as he plays washboard and accordion.

Dopsie recently returned from a tour of Brazil.

“I feel good, and I’m still doing my splits,” Dopsie said. “Washington Parish is going to be fun, and I’m looking forward to playing there.”

A resident of Kenner, Dopsie said the country atmosphere was one of the things that impressed him about the fair.

“I didn’t get the chance to see much while I was there, but the traf-fic was hell,” Dopsie said. “Driving through the community was nice. I like the country-style living. If I had a choice, I’d live in Washington Parish or Mandeville. I like a lot of wooded area.”


A member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame with his late father, Dopsie has recorded 14 albums and is working on another that includes mostly zydeco tracks.

“It’s zydeco with crossover tunes like ‘Long Train Running’ by The Doobie Brothers and ‘Keep on Smilin’’ by Wet Willie. I try and put zydeco into some of the music people are familiar with,” Dopsie said. “I do something where an accordion can fit in. Of course, I’ve got to put my James Brown into my show.”

Dopsie said he isn’t going to hold anything back while performing in Washington Parish.

“When I come to Washington Parish, I’m going to be entertaining the crowd with a lot of zydeco and rhythm and blues stuff,” Dopsie said. “I’m going to hit them at all angles. Like Muhammad Ali said, ‘Float like butterfly and sting like a bee.’ Get ready because here comes Rockin’ Dopsie. They’ve got a good stage over there. It’s huge and I can run around all over the stage.”

Dopsie’s last album was “Zydeco Gone Wild,” produced approximately eight years ago.

“I’m long overdue for a new CD,” Dopsie said. ROCKIN’ DOPSIE


Hypnotist Erick Kand fell under fair’s spell

BY RANDY HAMMONSTHE DAILY NEWS

Comedy hypnotist Erick Kand was such a big hit at the 2013 Washington Parish Free Fair that fair organizers invited the entertainer to return this year.

The Washington Parish Free Fair is scheduled Oct. 15 to 18 at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds on Bene Street in Franklinton.

A resident of St. Petersburg, Fla., Kand will mesmerize audi-ences in two shows. He is scheduled to perform on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a Friday, Oct. 17, performance from 4 to 6 p.m.

“I loved it last year,” Kand said. “The show was a really big hit last year. They’ve really got a fantastic stage for performing. The people there all turn out and skip work to go to the Fair.”

Kand said there is something special about the people in Washington Parish and the area.

“The people there are absolutely friendly. It was a lot of fun to perform there,” Kand said. “We always get a lot of people who want to volunteer than we have chairs for on the stage.”

According to his web-site, the Erick Kand Comedy Hypnosis Show is a fun, fast-

paced and tastefully delivered program designed to generate audience participa-tion. The performance begins with a brief introduction to hypno-sis that gets everyone excited to be a part of the show.

Participants must be over 16 years of age to participate on stage.

“Everybody doesn’t have the ability to be hypnotized,” Kand said. “If you’re in a therapy setting, you have a better opportu-nity to be hypnotized because there are fewer distractions. If you had an I.Q. under 70, you wouldn’t be able to be hypnotized because you wouldn’t be able to follow basic instruc-tions.”

Kand has three types of programs for cor-porations, college and high schools. Those who participate on stage are hypnotized and bark like a dog on command or cry as they are transformed back into their child-hood.

“At the college shows, 80 percent of the

audience wants to vol-unteer,” Kand said. “In the corporate shows, volunteers are much more conservative and reserved. I have to make them feel safe and let them know I’m not to get them.”

Kand said he does more than 100 shows per year, including work on cruise ships, which take him around the world.

His performances usually last about an hour.

Kand has performed his hypnosis show for the last 12 years. He is a certified public accountant by trade.

“How I got into this business is real inter-esting,” Kand said. “I found a hypnosis school within 10 blocks from my house when I lived in San Diego. Ken Whitener was a great entertainer and was one of my role models. We got to be really good friends. He passed away several years ago after 30 years in the business, and I started working a lot of his cli-ents. I’m sort of taking over for Ken.”


Side project leads to big shows for Na Na ShaBY RANDY HAMMONSTHE DAILY NEWS

It’s been years since the Gonzalez-based Na Na Sha Show and Dance Band last played the Washington Parish Free Fair. Drummer Randy Bourgeois, however, recalled the experience as one of the best.

Na Na Sha performs at the fair on from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18.

The band has been togeth-er for 30 years. What began as a lark soon evolved into the real thing, including being the warm up band before the star of the show takes the stage.

The group has produced four albums.

“We’ve played the fair a couple of times over the years, but it’s been a while,” Na Na Sha drummer and

the group’s booking agent Randy Bourgeois said. “We enjoyed playing at the fair. The Washington Parish Fair is one of the best run fairs

we’ve played.”Bourgeois said fair offi-

cials know to make artists feel welcome and run it pro-fessionally.

“They know how to take care of the musicians, both backstage with all the food and the front stage,” Bourgeois said. “They’ve got the best equipment you’ll ever want to play on.”

Patrick Sanchez, Randy Gautreau, Ralph Daigle, Patricia Sanchez, Randy Bourgeois and Audron Bourgeois Sr., are all char-ter members of the group. The group also includes Keith Guidroz, Mike Lambert and Alan Ray.

“It’s such a nice fair,” Bourgeois said. “There are so many people who come out and look forward to the music. We enjoy it so much.”

The group got their big break performing at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans. They played in the Jazz and Ensemble Tent.

“This all kind of got started as a joke at first,” Bourgeois said. “Then it developed into a real profes-sional side. We’re not truly professional musicians, but do it as a part-time job. We’re part-time musicians playing on weekends at fairs, festivals and churches. What we do, we do well.”

The group is actu-ally a church choir at St. Mark Catholic Church in Gonzalez.

Bourgeois said the group has opened shows for some big-time entertainers over the years, including Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, The Four Tops, Fats Domino and Shenandoah.

“We have made some money over the years,” Bourgeois said. “We’re excited to be going back to Washington Parish again.”


Swamp People returning to fair

The Edwards Clan, Louisiana Swampers and stars on the History Channel’s television show “Swamp People,” will return to the Washington Parish Free Fair this year on Thursday, Oct. 16. Appearing at Old McDonald’s Farm from 10 a.m. till, Junior, Willie, Theresa and Sherre will pose for pictures and have souvenirs for sale.


2014 Fair Honor Roll StarsJacqueline Miller

Ryals BooneJackie, a lifelong resident of

Washington Parish, possesses an enviable 37-year service record with the Washington Parish Fair. She and her hus-band live in Angie, and she serves as principal at Enon Elementary School with 31 years experience in education.

Her volunteer service began in 1987 when she was named as co-chairman of the Jr. Fine Arts Committee and subsequently assumed the chairmanship of this committee in 2004. Next, she was named chairman of the Education Committee, a posi-tion she currently holds. In the meantime she has served as chairman of the Nominating Committee for three terms and has assisted the Flower House Committee as a clerk for their judges. She thoroughly enjoys

serving as a hostess in the Mile Branch Settlement Committee. Jackie is quick to voice her pleasure on participating in all these and other ongoing activi-ties of the fair.

Jackie designed the Washington Parish Fair Poster on three occasions — in 1989, 1997 and 2006. She is the proud mother of 2006 Washington Parish Fair Queen Amanda Brooke Fowler. She and her husband Robert Warren Boone’s family includes one son, John Robert Boone, and his wife, Haley Thomas Boone. Their four daughters and fami-lies are Reagon and Kyle Smith and their son Brody, Amanda and Dustin Fowler, Blaine Boone and Margaret Boone.

Donald Anthony Folse Donald Folse moved from

Plaquemines Parish in 1990 and

immediately became familiar with the fair as an employee of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. In 2005 Donald was asked to serve as the security chair-man for the fair and remains in that position today. He has an extensive background in law enforcement, having worked for the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office prior to joining the Franklinton Police Department. In 1996 he attended and com-pleted the FBI Academy. Donald is currently serving as police chief for the Franklinton Police Department, a position he has held since 2005.

During his leisure time


Donald enjoys fishing with fam-ily and friends. He has never lost his love and appreciation for family and still visits his childhood home in Gretna to spend time with his parents, Lois and Donald Folse Sr., every chance he gets. In addition to his parents, his family includes his wife, Rhea, his children, Courtney, Mancy, Shelly and Seena, and his grandchildren, Kayne, Hannah, Mazie, Chase, Claire Rose, Madeline, Rory, Trent and Max.

William Edward LadnerEd Ladner has been attending the

fair most of his life and has been a fair volunteer for about 45 years. His fair involvement has mainly centered around construction proj-ects on the fairgrounds. His very first assignment for the fair was to construct a small storage build-ing in Mile Branch Settlement. In 2004 the board voted to replace the Homemakers Building, and Ed was awarded the contract to construct the new building. His next project

was to build the addition to the Art Building that is used to house the Photography Exhibit. In 2005 Katrina damaged the new building, and work was begun to restore the building before the fair that year. Most recently Ed agreed to oversee the construction of the new building that houses Lost and Found, First Aid, Exhibitors and Senior Citizens Committees. He has been asked to oversee the construction of the new restroom on the midway, and plans are to have that project completed prior to the 2014 fair.

Ed has served as a board member from Ward 8 since 1986, but long before that he was involved with the Parade Committee for about 15 years. He is currently serving on the Parking and Traffic committees.

Like so many other fair volun-teers, Ed and his entire family are active in the fair. He, his wife Kaye, their son Cole and his wife Tra and grandson Hal all work very hard to help make “’The Fair With The Picnic Spirit” the biggest and the best.

New restrooms

DAILY NEWS PHOTO/Carol Case

Fairgoers will find new restrooms at the fairgrounds this year.


BY CHRIS KINKAIDTHE DAILY NEWS

For the first time ever, a calendar is being done for Mile Branch.

“It is a nice calendar,” said Brenda Simon, who is the chairperson of the calendar committee. “We had two people, Joe Ann Crowe and Bonnie Dier, who helped out with the photography part of it. They did a wonderful job on it. This year we

featured the cabins that are Mile Branch Settlement.”

Simon said the calendar is dedi-cated to the pioneers of Mile Branch, who built the cabins, and to their descendants who allowed the cabins to be moved to Mile Branch.

The calendar costs $10. Simon said it will be on display and sold in Mile Branch at the Johnson Cabin. Also, she said some of the chairmen will probably have them in other cabins.

Mile Branch calendar available


Rules for the Senior Ladies Promenade• The contest is

held in Mile Branch Settlement at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

• Ladies who reside in Washington Parish and are 60 years old or older are invited to partici-pate.

• Dress should be appropriate for the 1800 period and must be floor length. Polyester dresses will not be eli-gible for prizes in pret-tiest dress category.

• First prize — Belle of the Promenade; second and third place prizes are awarded in two age groups, 60 to 70 and 71 and above.

• First and second prize is awarded in the wheelchair division.

• First, second and third prizes are award-ed for prettiest dress.



The Washington Parish Free Fair Rodeo is one of the big attractions of the fair each year.

Fans have an opportunity to see five sessions over four days at the event, which takes place at the Washington Parish Fair Arena.

The rodeo’s co-coordinator, Mark Edwards, said each session averages a crowd of about 2,000-2,500.

Each session has an entry fee of $13 for adults, $11 for children ages 4-12 and free for those 3 and under.

“We’ve been excited about this for a long time,” Edwards said. “Once this is over with for this year, we immediately start planning for next year. We look way ahead on this deal.”

Edwards, who is in his first year as the co-coordinator, has been affili-ated with the rodeo since the early 1990s. He got involved when a friend, who was on the rodeo committee, asked him to join.

He said the best part about this is seeing everything come together and seeing the success.

“We don’t even get to watch the entire rodeo because of all of the work going on,” Edwards said.

The youth rodeo occurs Oct. 15 before the professionals participate the next three days.

The pros are competing Oct. 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., and there is also a 2 p.m. session Saturday.

Edwards said that this is some of the best competition in the south. The rodeo has been affili-ated with the Professional Cowboy Association the last four years, and the committee has won an award in two of the three previous years.

“We were selected by some of the contestants as PCA Rodeo of the Year in 2011 and 2013,” Edwards said. “We’re hoping to get it again this year.”

The events include bareback rid-ing, saddle broncs, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. Those events are for everybody.

The ladies have two other events, including barrel racing and break-away roping.

For more information, visit www.freefair.com.

Crowds flock to see rodeo each year


Down By the Branch Entertainment 2014

WednesdayNoon Primetime – adult contemporary classics1:30 p.m. The Crescent Circus – magic and circus arts2:15 p.m. Primetime – adult contempo-rary classics3:45 p.m. Jim Hogg & James Linden Hogg – father and 14-year old son duo4:30 p.m. The Crescent Circus – magic and circus arts5:30 p.m. The Last Chance Bluegrass Band7 p.m. Big Al & Company – classics/pop

Thursday11:45 a.m. Primetime – adult contem-porary classics1 p.m. The Last Chance Bluegrass Band2:15 p.m. Primetime – adult contempo-rary classics3:30 p.m. Wes Loper from the legend-ary Flora-Bama and Thomas Jenkins, 2013 Louisiana State Fiddle Champion5:30 p.m. Runaway Home – Nashville’s premiere acoustic-Americana Band7:30 p.m. One Way South – classic rock/country

Friday 11:30 a.m. Los Supper – Spanish/American/country/rock n’ roll1 p.m. Franklinton High School Screamin’ Demon Jazz Band

2 p.m. Los Supper – Spanish/American/country/rock n’ roll3:30 p.m. The Victory Belles** – from the World War II Museum in New Orleans6 p.m. The Van-Dells – Show A – The Nation’s No. 1 Rock ‘n Roll Review8:30 p.m. Stormy, The Band – classics/pop/dance

Saturday10:30 a.m. Lafleur & Basile – authentic Cajun folk music11:30 a.m. The Gospel Music of Elvis by Glenn Bowles12:45 p.m. Lafleur & Basile – authentic Cajun folk music2 p.m. Right Direction – Southern Gospel3:30 p.m. Big Daddy O6 p.m. The Van-Dells – Show B – The Nation’s No. 1 Rock ‘n Roll Review8:30 p.m. Birdie’s Boyz – the party band from Birdie’s Roadhouse** Honoring Vernon Thomas, 96-year-old Washington Parish resident, World War II veteran and prisoner of war

The 2014 Down by the Branch Stage Entertainment is dedicated in memory of: T.J. “Jack” Harry, 1927-2014, 2011 Mile Branch Settlement honoree; and Viola Bennett, 1941-2014, chairman of Old McDonald’s Farm for 25 years; member, Board of Directors.


Fair time has arrived, and the organizers hope you have a safe and enjoyable fair. Here are some facts and safety tips that you should be aware of for this year’s fair.

• Drive slowly and watch out for small children.

• Be courteous. • Shuttle service will be available

this year. Runs will be made daily from the Franklinton Elementary School to the front gate. Capital One, the sponsor of this service, has established time of operation from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

• The front entrance of the fair-grounds will be used as a drop off and turn around area for the handi-capped and elderly only.

• Reserved parking for people with mobility problems will be located on Bene Street behind the old Armory building. This lot is for wheelchair-bound persons only. Other handi-capped parking is located across from the rodeo arena, near the train exhibit. No permit is required.

• General parking is very limited on the fairgrounds. Fair property areas available for general parking will be to the right side of the live-stock barns and in the field north of the fairgrounds. Overnight parking is not allowed in any general park-ing area. All general parking lot areas are subject to closure during wet conditions.

• The 13 acre field east of the rodeo arena that has been free parking in the past will be available this year, but a $5 fee will be charged by the owners of that property. If you plan to park in this field, be prepared to pay $5.

• There will be one-way traffic only on the fairgrounds.

• Traffic may enter on the right side of the fairgrounds and exit on the north end. The exit comes out on the Tylertown Highway. Be pre-pared for delays.

• There is no charge for parking on Fair Association property. There will be no overnight parking allowed in the Fair Association parking lots. Any vehicle left unattended on fair property will be towed at the

expense of the owner. • There will be some charge on

privately-owned land that joins the fairgrounds. Landowners are not allowed to rope or stake-off city property, nor can the landowner charge for vehicles parked parallel to city streets.

• Be advised that no parking will be allowed on either side of Bene Street from Seventh Avenue to 11th Avenue and no parking on Main Street from Bene Street to Parker Street during the four days of the fair.

• Tenth Avenue will be a one-way street during the fair, starting from Alford Street (Jr. High School) to the fairgrounds (Bene Street). The traf-fic will flow north on 10th Avenue to the fairgrounds. This is an emer-gency vehicle use street: adhere to this law, as it will be strictly enforced with tickets issued for illegal parking or improper traffic flow. Improperly parked cars will be towed.

• Give all emergency vehicles the right-of-way.

• No one will be allowed to enter the main entrance of the fair-grounds in a vehicle. Handicapped or elderly persons may be dropped off at the front entrance but will not be allowed to drive into the fair-grounds.

• Parking permits are issued by Fair Committee chairmen to various workers on the fairgrounds. There will be no parking in permit parking lots without the properly coded car pass. However, no pass is required for general parking areas or handi-capped areas.

• Cars parked in improper lots or areas on the fairgrounds are sub-ject to being towed away at owners expense.

• Be polite and courteous to those helping with parking and traffic; these people work hard and long.

• Unauthorized three wheelers, golf carts, bicycles, skateboards, etc. will not be allowed on the fair-grounds.

• No pet allowed on the fair-grounds unless they are with a legal-ly blind person.

Fair Parking and Traffic Rules


Thinking About the Fair Crossword


Clues

* Answers on page 50


Mile Branch Quilt Raffle

The quilt pattern for the 2014 Washington Parish Free Fair quilt raffle ben-efitting Mile Branch Settlement is “Family Tree and Trip Around the World.” The quilt top was made by Pennsylvania Amish ladies. It was hand-quilted in Washington Parish by Becky Creel. It will hang in the hall of the Sylvest Cabin during the fair. Shown with the quilt are, from left, Sue Macias, chairman of quilting in the Sylvest Cabin during the year, Becky Creel, chairman of quilt-ing in the Sylvest Cabin parlor, and Margarite Lipani, chairman of raffle ticket sales. Raffle tickets will be on sale at Mile Branch Settlement until 7 p.m. on Oct. 18, at which time the winner will be announced.



Hopefully the weath-er will be much better this year for the 15th annual Washington Parish Free Fair 5K run/walk, which takes place Oct. 18.

Last year, runners had to deal with some wet weather, but 81 braved Mother Nature and ran the event.

Daniel Bischoff captured the overall male title, running the 3.1 miles in 21:01. Samantha Descant took the overall female win in 23:24.

Harold Gene Frizzell and Lorraine Branch were the top male and female walkers.

The race occurs at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. Race day registration and number pickup starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 7:45 a.m.

The race runs through the fair-grounds. It starts and finishes at the Fair Stage.

The Fair 5K com-mittee is very excited about the 5K this

year,” race coordinator Melissa Mauer said. “It is a very positive event for our community.”

Mauer said the race used to be a 10K, but was discontinued because of lack of par-ticipation in the early ‘80s. She said a group of runners lobbied for a 5K after several years of no race, however.

Race day registration costs $20, and there

will be T-shirts while supplies last.

Mauer, who is in her second year as the race’s coordinator, said Crossbridge Fitness is sponsoring the T-shirts.

Awards will be given out for overall male and female winners. There is also a catego-ry for Master male and female for those ages 40-over. The top male and female walkers will be awarded along with first and second in many different age groups male and female, starting with 12-under and going up to 60-older.

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.freefair.com.

15th year for Fair 5K


12 ladies vying for title of Fair Queen

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 12 young ladies from Washington Parish will take to the fair stage to compete for the title of Washington Parish Fair Queen.

The competition will begin at 8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Whoever is selected for the honor will not only reign over many of the activities at this year’s fair but will also get to ride in Wednesday’s open-ing parade.

The 2013 Washington Parish Fair Queen is Taylor Wood.

Those competing for the crown Tuesday are Dllas Smith, Brianna Augustine-Meredith, Makenzie Fussell, Tiffany Pollard, Katie Herbert, Aesha Magee, Laiton Jenkins, Madison Crawford, Destanie Austin, Destinee McClain, Lyndsay Maxwell and Katie Boudreaux. TAYLOR WOOD


2014 Washington Parish Fair Queen Contestants

Dallas Smith

Laiton Jenkins

Brianna Augustine-Meredith

Madison Crawford

Makenzie Fussell

Destinee McClain

Katie Herbert

Lyndsay Maxwell

Aesha Magee

Katie Boudreaux

* Not pictured are Tiffany Pollard and Destanie Austin


Members of the Washington Parish Art Association met on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. in the Fine Art Building on the parish fairgrounds in Franklinton. It was the first meeting for the group following a sum-mer recess.

Following a short business session, the group rolled, packaged and numbered all the official Washington Parish Fair post-ers. Taffenie Corkern Mizell, the 2014 poster artist was on hand to sign and number the posters as they were being packaged. Janice

Branch added the offi-cial seal.

President Janis Fisher distributed new

Art Association helps prepare fair posters

COURTESY PHOTOS

Christine Beatty and Janis Fisher place caps on the tubes to hold the official Washington Parish Fair posters. The art association volunteers for this each year as the posters are readied for the event.


2014 Washington Parish Fair poster artist Taffenie Corkern Mizell is shown numbering and signing the official fair poster as members of the parish art association met at the Fine Art Building to roll and package the posters for the upcoming fair, set Oct. 15-18.

yearbooks, presented a gift of appreciation to past president Kaye Williams and asked members to sign up for duty at the art build-ing during the fair to sell posters and also chances on a painting to benefit the Carl Thorp annual scholarship.

Christine Beatty told about a show at the Museum of Art in Jackson, Miss., featuring the work of Robert Henri, which begins this month. Routine reports were also given by Janice Branch, treasurer, and Louise Barber, recording sec-retary.

Prior to the meeting, a light sup-per was served by hostesses Kaye Williams, Louise Barber and Nena Passman.

Those attending were Kay Bell, Louise Barber, Frances Miller, Bob Ann Breland, Jeanne Green, Lorraine Roshto, Williams, Beatty, Reba Sanspree, Lenora Frazier, Branch, Fisher, Jane Brodie, Katie Lee and Mizell.

The art association meets on the second Tuesday of the month in September, November, January, March and May.

Frances Miller, Lenora Frazier, Reba Sanspree and Jeanne Green arrange tube caps to match post-ers as the local art association rolls and packages the official 2-14 Washington Parish Fair poster at the September meeting. There are 500 signed and numbered posters and 100 artist proofs.


Hoyt L. “Chick” Boyd has been a volunteer of the Washington Parish Fair for the past 21 years.

It began with Bonnie Tynes calling him to volunteer in Mile Branch Settlement. Thus began his work as special events coor-dinator, a “job” he still holds today.

Through the years Chick has been a dedicated volunteer and an intricate part of Mile Branch Settlement. He is respo-sible for bringing clogging and square dancing to Mile Branch Settlement. The dancing became such an enormous hit they per-formed on the main stage. One year, the History Channel filmed the performance as part of The South’s Grass Roots Edition.

He also began what is a treasured part of Mile Branch Settlement, the Porch Singers. Musicians come from all over to play on the porches.

Then to enhance Mile Branch Settlement’s activities, he came upon the idea of a pie eating con-test and a husband calling con-test, two events during the fair that garner lots of participation as well as enjoyment for visitors to watch.

Chick has served as vice chair-man as well as chairman of Mile Branch Settlement. In order to provide good fellowship at each meeting, he began the tradi-tion of having a meal after each meeting.

He worked tirelessly after Katrina to cleanup and restore Mile Branch in a very short time. He felt the people of Washington Parish needed Mile Branch Settlement and the Fair that year more than any other year, a thought that proved cor-rect and was much appreciated by all who came that year.

At one point in time, Chick

used a chalkboard to write all the events for the day. True to his devotion he wanted to get the schedule out to promote as well as give visitors planning time to enjoy the events, thus the printed schedule of events began. That also proved to be of great value for the enhancement of Mile Branch Settlement.

Chick secured the first grant the fair ever received and used it for much needed work on the creek in Mile Branch.

His devotion to and love of Mile Branch Settlement can be seen in many aspects of the settlement. His dedication to Mile Branch Settlement has helped make it the great attrac-tion it is today. He is honored to be selected as the Mile Branch Settlement Honoree for 2014. Mile Branch Settlement is hon-ored to have such a dedicated, hardworking volunteer.

2014 Mile Branch Honoree Chick Boyd

HOYT L. “CHICK” BOYD


Solution to crossword on page 38

WASHINGTON PARISH FREE FAIR 2014 52 The Daily NewsOCTOBER 12, 2014

The calm before the storm

DAILY NEWS PHOTOS/Carol Case

When an event is as big as the Washington Parish Free Fair, getting everything ready is no small task. While planning takes just about the entire year, the week or two before the fair is when the grounds start to take shape. Above, the first of the rides show up on the midway, which will be teeming with lights and action when the fair opens this week. Below, by Wednesday of last week, numerous campers had already claimed their spots at teh fairgrounds.


Locals share favorite fair memoriesLiz King: Ms. Viola

Bennett working in Old McDonald’s Farm. I had the extreme pleasure of working with her in “the barn” for a couple of years, and I will treasure those times always. This will be the first time in many, many years that she won’t be there. She loved doing that so much. Her tireless efforts and hours of volunteering will be remem-bered always.

Tabitha Wheat: Since I can remember Mile Branch Settlement is where my family has met every day of the fair and rested, talked, eaten and even slept a few times! I have now started that tradition with my kids. They know if you need fam-ily, go to MBS. Someone will be there! Now that I live an hour and a half away, I still

make my way home for the fair and always will!

Sandra Alston Miller: Visiting my Nana, whose property backed up to the midway, and hearing the sounds of music, people, rides, the wonderful smells of “fair food” and the excite-ment and anticipation I felt. But I always wanted to get to the age to be able to do what “Miss Chris” Lee did…sit, people watch and visit.

Sarah Bickham Bryant Riley: I love the fair. I remember the high wire or high pole acts.

Sylvia Moak LaPointe: Digging way back to my younger years of fair-going, I’d have to say my most favorite memory was open-ing day and the Fair Parade. Marching or riding in it or watching it from the side-

walks around town — the excitement of opening day with the noise, smells and all the towns near and far gathered into Franklinton! What a sight!

Cindy McMillan Varnado: I love the fair!! It is like the biggest reunion ever. I always look forward to seeing folks that I only see at the fair — some dis-tant family members and some friends. One of my favorite memories was of my mother, who was about 75 years old at the time, going down the slide on the midway with her grandchil-dren!! Many precious memo-ries of “The Fair”!!

Tammy Jenkins Stewart: My favorite memory is walking with my mother and daughter for the first time after she was

born. My daughter is almost 15 now and Mom died in 2006, however every time I go back I get to relive those steps. Wonderful memories!!

Myrna Carter Jones: My little brother Steve and I had to sing on stage. He was 7, and I was 8. This was an every year thing, and we were tired of it!! So we decided we would go over the bridge and ride some rides. We had on our little cowboy and cowgirl outfits, boots and hats. When we got to the midway, we realized we had no money. Steve told the man we sure wanted to ride the horses, and he took pity on us and gave us a free ride. When Daddy and two policemen walked up he was so glad to see us, but when we got home it was an entirely different story!!

We did have to go sing, but Mama and Daddy took us back over the bridge, and it seemed like we got to ride forever. There is nothing like the Fair, especially in cowboy outfits!!

Patri Frazier Gast: Fondest memories are see-ing friends that you don’t get to see very often.

Kevin Lawson: Great memory…I can’t remember his name (Austin Amacker), but his motto was, “Put yo’ money in yo’ hand, here comes the peanut man!”

Syrenia Applewhite: I can’t think of anything I don’t love about the Fair!!! Seeing everyone and the


stage acts are great memo-ries.

Len Reid Simmons: After spending my $2 on the mid-way, I always enjoyed seeing the livestock.

Tita Boyd Taylor: My favorite memory was when my daughter Kellie was about 3 years old. She had been real sick, but MawMaw Ara (Dillon) went with us to take her to the fair on the last night. A little monkey was there, and when you put money in his box he would dance. Kellie and MawMaw would get so tickled! From then on Kellie’s daddy called her his “gold monkey,” and she called him her “old mon-key.” MawMaw was about 79 years old and walked the whole midway with us.

Stephanni Cassidy: A special memory…The only year that the parade was rescheduled to Friday due to rain was in 1984. I was crowned Fair Queen that

year, so I had the privilege of riding in the parade on Friday and again in 1985. The queen contest was held on Wednesday night at that time, so the queen had to wait until the following year to ride in the parade.

Linda Thomas: My favorite memory is Daddy and all the family watching the parade at Mrs. Leona’s house!!

Mark Corkern: Thursday night of the 1977 Fair I took a friend and his girlfriend to the fair because he didn’t have a ride. They intro-duced me to this cute, curly haired girl, and we have been together ever since…married for 35 years!!

Ann Varnado Cowart: I remember my sister and I picked up empty Coke bot-tles left on the ground and the “Coke man,” Mr. Hunt, would buy them from us. We carried them in an old wooden Coke case and used

the money on rides.Linda Stringfield Day: I

remember my son modeling for Sears on the stage when he was about 2. He wouldn’t leave the stage until some-one came out and led him off!! Too funny!! I tear up when I remember my moth-er and daddy camping at the fair. Mama loved her ice cream on a stick dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts. Daddy loved sitting down by the creek listening to the music. I know if there is a way they are still there in spirit every year.

Kay Bell: When our sons, Bill and Steve, were about 7 and 10, I started giving them each a couple of $5’s on Thursday to go to the midway while I sat in my lounge chair with Leona Brown and Moggie Bickham by the FHS food booth and enjoyed the stage acts. That was my system for making them return often to check

in with me. One Thursday I didn’t see them for hours and got pretty worried. I told the ladies that I was going to find them, and they both started laughing. They finally admitted that they each had slipped the boys a couple of $20’s earlier and said for me to let those boys have fun at the fair instead of running them to death all day!!

Jan Miller: If you knew my Papaw you know that he was a very tall man. When I was about 4 years old I went to the fair with Mamaw and Papaw. After a little while of walking I got tired, so he put me on his shoulders, and we walked through the fairgrounds with me waving the monkey on a stick that he had bought for me. The lights were so beautiful, the smell of fair food heavenly and being there with my Mamaw and Papaw was wonderful. Sitting on his

shoulders was like having my own special ride!!

Jackie Harrison: I met my husband Tony during the 1973 Fair!!! That was exciting, and then it was exciting when our youngest son, Scott, won first place in the Baby Contest two years in a row…1984 and 1985!!

James H. Truehart: It is still nice to go to the fair ‘n see “old timers” sitting on the benches by the exhibit buildings. I always think of my grandpa, E.J. Thigpen of Bogalusa, sitting there freshly shaved, a white shirt and tie on and his old felt hat. RIP grandpa and grand-ma…I will eat some roasted peanuts for you. Now I drive from Baytown, Texas, to go to the fair instead of Bogalusa, but it’s worth it! I love the fact that the fair has kept it’s “down home” ambience. I still stop at the front entrance to buy a few bags of roasted peanuts from


the grandson of “the Peanut Man”!!

Jan Bernstein Langlinais: My fondest childhood memory is a full day of rides and games on the midway, viewing the animals, playing on the bridge by the creek, walking around the education build-ing…while our moms sat in lawn chairs beside the Band Booth. We checked in every hour or so to get a few dol-lars and grab a bite. Dads would join us around supper time. It was all about family and friends!! Oh, I won the hula hoop contest in about 1960…I think my prize was $5!!!

Malinda Larson: Fondest memories…more than 50 people from my old neigh-borhood in Metairie used to come camp at the camp-ground and spend the entire fair with us. So much fun!!!

Brenda Burch Burris: Casey Casanova proposed

to our daughter Brandi in the Education Building. His mom, Diana, put a let-ter that he had written in the Enon School exhibit! Family and friends were waiting at the campground to congratulate them. Their engagement was announced on stage that night!!

Kaye Jean Miller Doss: One of my favorite memo-ries…the “high wire” acts across the road from the stage. The band on stage was playing “The Waltz You Saved For Me”! I still love that song! A more recent memory…the opening of the fair on the main stage in 2005! This was about seven weeks after Katrina had done so much damage to the area. The hard work and dedication of the work-ers to pull this off shows the American spirit. Coming back to the fair that year made me prouder than ever before that I grew up in

Washington Parish. Thank you volunteers for all your work.

June Magee Byrd: OK, this goes way back…When I was in second or third grade I decorated my bike and rode in the parade. I had pumpkins made from poster board on the wheels. My Aunt Doris Magee helped me decorate. The fair has always been special for my family. My dad, Marvin Magee, worked with the midway people, many times having them come to our house for dinner. Dad was a Fair Honoree as well as my brother, Larry Magee. He certainly enjoyed and spent many an hour there.

Suzannah Fussell: So many great memories…Keith’s family had a picnic at Aunt Ilean’s home on Parker Street. We would all arrive early and set our chairs up for the parade on Wednesday morning. We

would all watch the parade together and then go eat at her home. Then it was off to the fair!

Denise McDaniel Fitzgerald: My earliest memories of the fair came from Mama. She loved it and went until her last year of life. Even though the fair didn’t start until Wednesday, we would start riding through the fair-grounds after church on Sunday night!!

Bette Killingsworth Cassidy: Memories…being at the fairgrounds the days before it started and follow-ing Momma around as it all came together. Mr. Joe Greenburg from Gaylord who did a lot of the artwork. Leroy Knight, Hamp Burris and other REA linemen helping to get the lights going.

Charlotte Freeman Ladner: My fondest memory is knowing that

my grandfather, Wilson Ero Jenkins, who had a bad heart, and despite any health problems he may have had he walked the whole fair parade from beginning to end. Nothing could stop him!!

Judy McCasland Micelle: I was fascinated by the high wire acts. I loved riding the ferris wheel and stopping at the top to look around at the entire fair-grounds and the thousands of people. In my 20s and 30s, when I went home every year, Brenda Passman, Angelo Corkern and I would tell the ferris wheel opera-tor that we hadn’t seen each other and needed to catch up on gossip…(it was true)…he always…never failed…allowed us to ride for 45


minutes to an hour…we would just smile and yell “thank you” to him…Of course we were kind of cute at that age, but it made our start to the fair!!! There was a small stage some-where on the grounds called the Little Theater, I believe. For years I have remembered precious little Becky Pettit singing “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window.” She was so cute and sang it so well…surely she won!!!

Bonnie Dier: My favorite “young-er” memory was the local talent of Battle of the Bands on Saturday. That was long, long ago.

Pat Ford Branch: We all got a pair of new jeans at Burris Bros. for the fair and only took them off at night to sleep. By fair’s end, the jeans could literally stand alone! Also, lost Ed (Branch) at the fair when he was a toddler. Police stopped him in middle of street and he would only say he was going to “Nanny’s.” Riding on top of the Budweiser wagon with my mother, Lil Ford, and sister, Renie Dack, was an experience never to be forgotten!!

Barbara Sue Fisher: I loved the high wire act across the road from the stage. I was always afraid the pole was going to break. Loved to hear the oohs and awes each time the pole swayed. Also, the Band Booth…Mr. Bailey would make a schedule to be used throughout the fair. Loved the smell of fair onions, hot dogs with the best chili in the world made by my grandmother, Azzie Manning.

Florence Manning: I spent a lot of my time at the cattle barn show-ing cows when I was young. When I was about 9 or 10, my mother, Peggy Reedy, bought me my usual new pair of blue jeans and a cowgirl vest, but she also bought me the most wonderful pair of cowboy boots I had ever seen. I wore those boots to bed for several nights!!!

Myra Jones Bullock: The parade has always started us off, and of course the midway was always a favorite!! Now I can watch the grand darlings enjoy the midway like I used to and visit with everyone that comes home for the fair!!!

Jennifer Magee Domengeaux: The Fair is something special, and this I always knew. However, it took

on a different meaning after I moved away. Fairs and festivals exist all over the place, however none that I have ever been to compare to the Washington Parish Free Fair!! The reason, without a doubt, is the com-munity and the countless volunteers that work, not for recognition, but for the underlying desire to con-tinue the Fair’s legacy…a legacy that dates back for generations. It’s the community who, despite the chaos in the world, stops and makes time to appreciate one another, to reminisce and to reunite with fam-ily and friends from the past and the present. Yes, I still have my Fair “must-do’s”…midway ferris wheel (Dad and I rode every year), funnel cakes, Mile Branch cheese and crackers, entertainment, Old McDonald’s Farm, looking at all the amazing talent from local artists and photographers in the Art Building, the list really goes on and on. Still to this day, when the first sunny, cool day rolls around and fall peeks its head out, I tell my children (just like my dad always told me) “It feels like Fair weather!” My dad, Larry Magee, loved the Fair and to me he will always be my favorite Fair memory.

Jennifer Fleming: My favorite memory is the year my brother, Kenny, surprised us by coming home for the fair. He was living in California at the time and just walked up to the Band Booth where my mother, Chris Lee, always sat with her friends. I remember crying and holding on to him and Denny Fisher saying, “Man, I wish my sis-ter loved me that much.” (She did, Denny.) Also, I met my husband, Wayne, at the Fair in 1968. I was waiting for some friends between the Band Booth and the stage. He was standing with some friends and started talking to me. We ended up going to the midway together to ride the ferris wheel…my favorite ride. He put his arm around me, but it wasn’t until the next year that I found out why…he was, and still is, scared to death of the ferris wheel!! We will celebrate our 45th anniver-sary in November!! I still have the little silver horse statue he won for me that night 46 years ago.

Hope to see everyone at the fair!

fair tab 2014 for web

Documents

parish fair

fair honoree

fair parking

fair queen

largest free fair

daily news fair edition

fair stage schedule

fair crossword puzzle