I believe many people were waiting in disbelief to see if the fair would actually happen this year. Last year was hard to face with the cancellation of what we know as a yearly staple that is as expected as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The whole fall season seemed off after that third week in October came and went uneventful. Once again we felt robbed due to a pandemic that seeped into our world from far away.
And then the tornado ripped through the quiet hill of Mile Branch and a home built over two hundred years ago was crushed by a huge tree. We were left to wonder how many storms and hurricanes that cabin had witnessed over all those years to be slammed long after its inhabitants passed away. I've often thought about how those original builders would feel knowing their hard work in designing these dwellings for their families were still on display being enjoyed and celebrated by the people in their hometown.
There are many who have decided not to attend the fair this year and for understandable reasons. We are not free from risk with the pandemic still underway. And like we now browse through those cabins from years ago, will future dwellers of our hometown read this one day ancient column remembering what life was like for those of us navigating through a very new and frightening experience?
Nevertheless, the fair will return this year and hopefully some crisp fall weather will ascend on the parish, mixing with the smoke from campfires and the smell of popcorn and roasted peanuts and that once a year fair aroma will bring it all back to life for us.
We were fortunate to find a spot for our camper and this year we will be joined by four grandchildren as our family grew quickly during the shut-down of society. This is just one more sign that Foremans will repopulate regardless of what is happening in the world. We will get the joy of sharing this return of the Washington Parish Free Fair through the eyes of little boys who get to camp there on the grounds and listen to the shrill squeals and roars of rides while eating fair food that is traditional as black eyed peas and cabbage on New Year's Day.
Most of what our fair offers is enjoyed outdoors so hopefully the fresh fall air will allow for little transmission of the virus and new family memories will be created. I am still unsure what will and will not be at our fair. I have been told that certain restaurants that travel from out of town will not be attending. I have heard varying stories about the rodeo and Mile Branch Settlement. I have been asked if there will be exhibits this year.
According to Mom, the exhibits will be rolling in and ribbons will be given out as usual. As for the rest of it, regardless of the size of the crowds, or the entertainment, or food selections, what will be ever present is what has been around since 1911. As stated on thefreefair.com "Since its humble beginning in a local livery stable, this county/parish fair has steadily grown bigger and better each successive year. Today, based upon attendance records, it is believed to be the largest county/parish free fair in the USA. It is the second oldest Parish Fair in Louisiana."
And what will be ever present as the fires crackle and the kettle corn pops will be that deep rooted fair spirit that burns endlessly from generation to generation. Who is ready to see fair flags waving in the town?
