On behalf of the Washington Parish Free Fair's Executive Committee, I want to issue a sincere thank you for a wonderful 2026 Fair.
It is said frequently that the Fair would not be possible without the efforts of the 45 committee chairmen and the hundreds of volunteers. This was so evident. As I walked around and visited the various venues, I was overwhelmed by the "volunteer spirit" that is still alive and well at the Fair.
I want to especially thank Stage Chairman Chris Bautista and his volunteers for a terrific job this year. School bands, support groups and choirs, dance studios, and local acts kept our stage schedule full and reminded us that tradition is important. However, Frank Foster and LeAnn Rimes brought back memories of other musicians that packed the stage area. The LeAnn Rimes crowd might have been a record-breaker as folks had their chairs out hours before the performance and welcomed her to Washington Parish.
Rodeo Chairwoman Gale Schilling and her crew saw sellout crowds as the rodeo continues to be one of the Fair's staples. Its excitement is contagious and children and grownups alike enjoyed watching cowboys "do their thing."
Membership Chairwoman Marsha Newman and her committee sold 30,000 tickets and the prizes this year were outstanding. The area in and around the commercial building was bustling each day with vendors offering everything from jelly to jewelry. The Fair "regulars" were there and there were also lots of new faces, new items, food trucks, and enough squishies for sale to keep everyone's child happy.
Mile Branch continues to be a crowd favorite with all the history it has to offer. Chairman Lee Davis and his committee did an excellent job preparing the settlement for visitors. There is always something new to see among 150-year-old structures. On the modern side, despite the new card system instead of the traditional tickets, the Mighty Thomas Carnival did not disappoint with exciting rides and fun games. It made history this year with the first ever roller coaster at the fair.
Finally, it was the residents of Washington Parish who were the real rock stars. Participation in contests was outstanding with full exhibits of photographs, flowers and plants, art, crafts and animals. It is this that keeps our fair an exceptional part of the community.
Thanks again Washington Parish for continuing to make the Washington Parish Free Fair the largest free fair in the nation. See you next year on October 20, 2027.
With love,
Pam Pierce
President, WPFF Executive Board
