I was recently asked by a friend if I had ever missed a fair. I replied that I could only remember less than half a dozen times in about sixty years of living in Franklinton that I was not able to attend for at least one day.
Growing up on the 600 block of 10th Avenue, there were things that my sisters, brother, and I just didn't do. We didn't miss a Friday night football game; we didn't miss a basketball game at the old FHS gym across the street; and we never missed a fair.
I became much more intricately involved in the fair when I was asked to serve on the Midway committee 28 years ago. I have been chairman of the Midway for the past 25 of those years and remained so during my tenure as Fair President.
I am very partial to the arrival and opening of the midway. A lot must happen in a very short time for the midway to arrive in the late hours of Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning for it to be ready to open by 11:00 am of Wednesday of the fair.
That likely is the reason why my favorite fair tradition is the official opening of the fair each year because of the excitement that surrounds that event. The lobbies of Magee Financial and other local businesses are busy with parents and grandparents coming in "pre-fair" to purchase midway tickets at a cost that has not risen as many other things have.
There are last minute details that must be handled on the fairgrounds themselves, and the events that mark the fair season like the fair flag raising at the Courthouse and Bogalusa City Hall and the banquet of committee chairmen who pay tribute to the annual Fair Honoree. This year that dedicated volunteer is Mercer Brumfield.
Ultimately, none of this would be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who give of their time and talents to put on the largest free fair in the nation. The Executive Board that I have been privileged to work with are top-notch. Vice-President Robbie Thomas, Secretary Kaye Ladner, Treasurer Ellen Waskom, Building and Grounds Chairman Jason Creel, and Cole Ladner, the President prior to my two-year term, give freely in their capacities and all share the vision of wanting to be sure the fair maintains what has made it such a popular family-oriented destination for 112 years.
For the past two years, I have gathered with all the committee chairmen on the first Monday of each month. It is amazing to see the enthusiasm of these folks at the November meeting following the fair and their perseverance as we move towards our October deadlines. It has been an honor to serve as president and with Robbie Thomas on deck to be the next president, I believe the fair is in great, capable hands.
The fair could not happen without the combined efforts of the Franklinton Police Department, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, and the B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center staff. Because of these dedicated men and women, rarely are there incidents much more serious than an argument over who can throw a baseball the hardest on the midway, cars that bump into each other in crowded parking lots, or the search for a youngster who has gotten separated from frantic parents. I am proud to say that the fair is a safe place for all ages to enjoy.
Finally, I want to express my thanks my work family at Magee Financial for your service to the Washington Parish Fair. I also want to thank the members of my extended family, including my granddaughter Abbey, for their prayers and encouragement. I especially appreciate my wife, Tammy Magruder. Without her support and counsel, I may not have made through my term set to end in December. She too loves the fair and reminds me that my reassurance and positivity as president has helped the fair to continue to grow despite the tough economic times we are currently living in.
Change is inevitable, yet some things we love to see remain the same. I believe that deep down the Washington Parish Free Fair is the same little country fair we all love, but it has also embraced ideas and changes that will see it continue to grow and remain one of the most beloved traditions of this parish.
I am confident that there will something for everyone to enjoy at this year's fair. From Smokey Bear leading the parade to the very last beat of music on the stage, the 112th annual Washington Parish Free Fair will be one for the books. Find what you love best and then go enjoy it. Looking forward to seeing you there!
In your service,
James Magruder, President
WPFF Executive Board
