(Have you ever wondered who’s in charge of the Washington Parish Fair? During the next few months we will be introducing the officers of the Fair in order to tell our readers who’s in charge.)
On February 5 Robbie Thomas was sworn in as the President of the Washington Parish Fair Association's Executive Committee.
Robbie is the son of the late M.T. and Nita Thomas. He has one sister, Jackie Dale Thomas, and a son, Dusty Thomas. He has two grandchildren Laiken and Lexin. He is a native of Bogalusa, a graduate of Bogalusa High School and attends Highland Baptist Church.
Robbie has served the Fair as a member of the Rodeo Committee since 1976. He served under chairmen Marion Jones, Mike Gill, and Billy Passman before being asked to serve as chairman in 2015.
During his time on the Rodeo Committee great changes have been made. Robbie has secured corporate sponsors to help defray the cost of producing the rodeo, and he was on the committee when it took the huge step to produce a PRCA rodeo. Under his leadership the arena has been transformed to an all-pipe arena with horse stalls and the rodeo office has had an update with a new VIP room for sponsors.
Life revolves around rodeo for Robbie. He is or has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Association, a gold member of the IPRA, LRCA member, RCA member, SRA member, and Cajun Rodeo Association member. He served the Tri State Rodeo Association for six terms as Vice President and one term as President. He is the founder of the Mid South Pro Bull Tour and was Captain of the Washington Parish Sheriff's Posse. Robbie has announced the Angola Prison Rodeo for over 20 years, the Tri State Finals, Louisiana and Mississippi High School Finals, and Loretta Lynn's 50th Annual Rodeo. He has announced for top rodeo companies including Klein, Circle D, Harper Morgan, 5M Rodeo, All Pro Rodeo, PBR Bull Rides and various others across the South. He has announced over 35 rodeos a year for more than 20 years in 14 states.
He has now taken on the huge task of serving as President of the Executive Committee for the Fair. He served for two years as Vice-President and is ready to step up to the challenge of being President of the World's Largest Free Fair.
Following his inauguration Robbie issued a challenge to the assembled committee chairpersons: "Young committee chairs - bring your ideas and enthusiasm, but remember we are a fair of tradition. Veterans - accept these young people and consider their ideas. Any decision should not reflect personal wishes but be grounded in what is best for the Washington Parish Free Fair."
Robbie will serve as president for 2024 and 2025.
