Greetings to you all! Our 110th Washington Parish Free Fair was well attended. The weather was perfect for the parade on Wednesday morning. Wednesday night and Thursday night it was rather cold, but warmed up the rest of the week. Lots of entertainment was enjoyed on the main stage and Down by the Branch. It was nice to see all the exhibits displayed in the different buildings. One would think that very few would continue to enter exhibits, since there is no premium (money) given; we all still take much pride in doing so. I love seeing my exhibits displayed with a ribbon on it. By the way I entered a number of exhibits in the Homemakers building and crops, winning lots of ribbons. I got a "Best of Show" on my brownies; when telling the kids at school they agreed- "they are prize winners" they said, smiling.
On Wednesday night, eight beautiful and talented young ladies graced the main stage for the Fair Queen contest. McKenna Rushing of Franklinton High School was crowned 2022 Fair Queen by outgoing Queen Lindsey McGehee. We were proud to have our MHS young lady Dyeza Phelps participating in the contest. Our fair has lots to offer. Mile Branch is a speciality for many, visiting the log cabins and stopping in the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church to rest, sit a spell and sing ole time gospel hymns. Our church's time to sing was on Saturday.
Another favorite of the fair is the Sassafras Tea served in the Magee Kitchen located in Mile Branch, where my sister Jackie Smith is happy to see everyone come by to get some tea.
Every year we look forward to serving water in the commercial building. Due to water problems we were not able to do so.
I enjoyed helping on Monday and Tuesday in the Homemakers Building entering exhibits and getting them displayed after being judged. Many hours are spent working to make our fair successful. Thanks to all the volunteers you are to be commended for a job well done.
Happy November birthday to the following folks. Tyler Anthony Gros, Kadence Gros, John Gros Jr., John Gros Sr., Jamie Mier, Holly Rowell, Tommy Lindsey, Harley Folks, Dedrea Griffin, De Randa Griffin, Mary Rogers, Destiny Messina, Brianna Ballard, Sara Fowler, Destyne Menard, Michaela Morales, Erica Brooks, Nakata Brooks, Seth Goodman, Trey Brumfield, Robert Garrett, Hunter Addison, Kacy Farias, Dixie Borne, LaBritney Magee, Patricia Eubanks, and Christine Ellzey.
The beautiful handmade quilt made by Becky Creel was a hot item at the fair this year. Matter of fact they sold out of tickets before the fair ended on Sunday. The winner of the quilt was Becky Haik Darrah. She was the 1994 Fair Queen, she grew up in Bogalusa and now resides in Covington. Everyone looks forward to buying tickets hoping to win the quilt. Mrs. Marquerite Lapani wasn't able to be there this year so stepping up to the plate was Sara Tregre and did a great job.
My heart was saddened to hear that my oldest son, William Allen "Bill" Alford was found dead at his home in Walker, La on Friday, October 28, 2022. We would appreciate your prayers!
Thought for the week! Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important, so put on a big smile. - Janet Lane
Take care you all have a blessed week- Prayerfull Nell.
