The Main Stage at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds is easily one the most recognizable landmarks. Countless members of school bands and support groups, local schools of dance and choral members have performed on the stage.
It is a thread woven into the "fair experience" of children and adults from the area. Millennials, Gen Z's, and Gen Alphas know only of the current stage. It is the generations before these that remember the "old" stage. Uncovered and part concrete, part planks, it was also the hub of the fair.
The bell now located in the Genco Tower was located to the left of the old stage. The backdrop was a wall, painted with fair colors and what seemed like a massive set of steps was located in the middle of the front.
There was no sidewalk and few barricades, and fairgoers placed their folding chairs within a few feet of the stage for the best views of visiting entertainers. Dressing rooms were sparse, located under the stage.
As the fair grew, it became obvious that a new, more modern structure was needed. The "new stage" would need more room for sound equipment and lights and more space for performers. It was a massive undertaking.
Parish Registrar of Voters Randy Strickland was the Stage Chairman at that time and Chairman of the New Stage Planning Committee.
Randy remembers, "It was a challenge to finally get approval to build the new stage. Having been a part of the Stage Committee for 13 years prior, I knew it was desperately needed. Along with other New Stage Committee members, we accomplished our goal along with generous donations and the hard work of the Fundraising Committee. Some board members were very vocal about spending the money on a project that didn't bring money directly to the Fair Association. We explained that it would be better able to handle the requirements of 'big name' entertainment and last for many years."
Despite the sentimental feelings of local historians and reluctant board members, the old stage was demolished, and a stage worthy of the World's Largest Free Fair was constructed. Following the demolition, a temporary stage was erected for the 1994 fair. That was a rainy fair, further emphasizing the need for a covered stage. The new stage is a magnificent structure with a roof rising high above the stage and a façade that makes visitors feel they are watching acts on someone's back porch. Sound cables run underground from the booth on top of the hill to the stage. Rolling panels are in place so that preparations for the next act are underway and no "dead time" is needed.
Engraved bricks were a fundraising brainchild, and the sidewalk around the stage is a memorial walk of sorts.
It is the backstage area that is most impressive and rarely seen by fairgoers. A large kitchen and dining area are available to provide meals for entertainers, and a washroom keeps everything clean. Dressing rooms with shower and bathroom facilities provide entertainers with privacy and a place to contemplate performances and wind down afterwards. There is ample room for parking the large charter buses and motorhomes the entertainers travel in which create excitement when they pull up behind the stage hours before a performance.
Stage Chairman Cynthia August has been hard at work with her committee to recognize the 30-year anniversary of the stage. One event is bringing back the popular Mystery Person Contest for the 2025 Fair. For many years, a Mystery Person appeared each night on the stage in costume with clues presented in the paper each day. The traditional unmasking was held on Saturday night and a prize was awarded to one fairgoer for a correct guess of the person's identity.
This year the contest is being held with an appearance each evening and boxes are available for guesses at the Education Building and the Mt. Hermon School in Mile Branch. A prize will be awarded to one correct guess. Clues can be found in The Era-Leader and on the fair's Facebook page.
Current Executive Committee Vice-President and member of the stage committee Pam Pierce is excited to mark this milestone in the life of the fair. "Everyone has memories of being at the stage and watching their favorite performer, whether it is a dancer, singer, or a Nashville star. The stage is truly the heart of the fair. I hope all who attend will take some time to stop, sit on one of the benches, and watch for a while."
