We have a lot going on!
Parade
For years the fair parade was only horses and horse drawn vehicles. The only one of its kind at the time. It has since grown to include fire trucks, police vehicles, queens, floats, vehicles, bands, various school groups, political campaigns and various dance groups. We are proud to say the parade grows bigger each year! Originally beginning at the old courthouse, it now begins at Doyle Elementary School and Will Hughes Road. From there it heads north on LA HWY 63 through the Town of Livingston to US HWY 190 back to the fairgrounds. Horseback riders still participate, as do covered wagons, and costumed riders. These are judged in different age categories once everyone gets back to the fairgrounds. Current chairmen “Rip” Jones, Nancy Stewart and Derek Gardner all work together to organize the parade.
Rides & Games (Mitchell Brothers Amusements)
Livingston Parish Fair Association is proud to have Mitchell Brothers Amusements (MBA) as an integral part of our fair. The thrilling rides keep us coming back for more. The carnival games we know we can win with
just one more try, those candy and caramel apples, fluffy cotton candy, funnel cakes, corn dogs, blooming onions, and of course those polish sausages—all part of the fair we have grown to love.
MBA has been with the LPFA since 1975. Just getting started in 1975 on his own, Deltus Mitchell, began Mitchell Brothers Amusements with his brothers George and Ralph. Playing the Livingston Parish Fair as one of their first endeavors as owners. Each one handled different aspects
of the business and together they grew the business. In the early years they only owned a couple rides and would contract with others to get enough rides for the show. As the years went by, their success became a reality, and more rides were purchased and added to their inventory.
In 1992 the carnival was moved from the circle in front of the Green Barn to its current location in the back of the grounds. Gus Mitchell (Deltus’ son) is now at the helm of the organization. He is supported
by his precious wife Colleen, and daughters Jill, Katie, and Christine, along with each of their families.
The carnival crew is made up of many members of the Mitchell family and extended family. Ralph Mitchell, only surviving brother of the original Mitchell Brothers team, along with his wife, Caroline, daughters Julie, Samantha, and son, Tuff, are still active in the carnival. You will also see Danny Mitchell (son of George Mitchell) and wife Sandra, on the midway serving up some mouthwatering fair food!
The Mitchell name is known far and wide throughout the carnival industry. We are glad to have them as part of our fair.
Amateur Talent Show
The first talent show was held at the 1989 Fair under the direction of Mrs.Nell Anderson of Springfield.It has continued through the years to be a hit with many participants competing for the coveted First Place trophy. Mrs. Nell Anderson organized the first show at the 1989 Fair. Mrs. Ethel Arledge followed two years later as director. Upon Mrs. Ethel’s retirement, our current chairman, Mrs. Karen McDonald, began as chairman and continues to promote the annual talent show. Showcasing talent throughout the parish and surrounding communities. The Talent show is the only event open to participants who live outside our parish.
Livingston Parish Fair Spelling Bee
Even in the age of autofill, America is still in love with the centuries-old tradition of the Spelling Bee. The Livingston Parish Fair Spelling Bee began back in 1984. This annual and special Tuesday night at the fair, has always been sponsored and presented by the Livingston Parish News. Jeff David, owner of the Livingston Parish News along with Livingston Parish School Board Member, Brent Bencaz, are the originating founders of this fun and suspenseful night. Approximately 20 schools are represented by two 6th grade students and both are allowed to participate. Also, an alternate is represented by each school in the event there is an absence of one of the participants. The panel consists of three judges and a pronouncer. The pronouncer will announce the word to the student and if the correct spelling is given, the student will move on to the next round. This will continue until there is a final student (winner) remaining with all correct spellings given. Each participant will receive a hard bound copy student dictionary given by The News and also an achievement ribbon. The declared top three winners are awarded trophies and passes to the fair. Always a great night for adults and children alike to join in the excitement of watching these students display their memorization skills!
Fun & Academic Bowl
This is quite the event to see at the fair. Students from across the parish come together to compete for the coveted trophy!! Each school represented has eight member teams to compete in many different
fun games. Each a relay to see which team can work together to accomplish the task before them. It’s a fun and exciting time for participants and those who come to watch. These games were started in 1989 by Mary Bertrand, followed by Karen Hoyt, Nancy Stewart, and Robin Sibley. Current Chairman is Ruben Spillman.
Kids have participated in drinking from baby bottles, eating sour pickles, egg toss, balloon pops, sack races, three legged races and even hula hoop challenges. The students love the competition and the camaraderie of their teams. Games are divided into three categories, K - 2nd grade, 3rd - 5th grade, and 6th - 8th grade.
The Middle school students also compete in an academic challenge as part of their competition. In the past there have been questions on parish history, fair information, current events, and math puzzles.
VIP Day
Usually held on Wednesday during fair week, this special day is set aside for Very Important Personsthroughout the parish. Students in K-12 with significant disabilities are invited to attend the fair as our special guest. The fair is closed to the public and only open to our VIP guests. Students are treated to a grand welcome by school administrators, fair members, and sponsors. The children get to ride for free and are treated to lunch. Mitchell Brothers Amusements has long sponsored this tradition along with the Livingston Parish Fair Association. Special sponsor ELOS Environmental, a corporate sponsor, has joined in the effort to provide this event to our VIP guests.
In the early years this event was handled by our officers and in 1990 Mrs. Daisy Smith became theChairman. Mrs. Jean McDonald became chairman in 1992 and remained so until passing the torch to our current chairman Robin Sibley.
Agriculture, Livestock, Pet/Dog Show, Horse Show, 4-H & Homemaking Exhibits
These particular events are handled by Mr. Bobby Bingham, County Agent and his staff, Mikaela Davenport, Extension Agent, Christy Sorenson, Extension Agent, and Karen Cambre, Administrative Coordinator. Each of these individuals manage all exhibits throughout the fair. Including poultry, livestock, rabbits, horses, crops, flowers, homemade baked goods and art projects are a few of the vast assortment you may find in any of our exhibit halls. Premiums are awarded to first, second, and third place entries in many categories. The association
funds all prize money for each of the exhibits, ribbons and trophies. Never has an entry fee been charged for young or old to bring their wares to the fair to compete for the coveted “Blue” ribbon.
Older Folks Day
The Livingston Parish Fair has honored senior citizens of our parish since 1937. Organized by the late Col. C. B. Hughes, former county agent and charter member of the fair association. In the early years seniors were given a silver dollar for their participation. In 1947 records indicate old folks day was called Old People’s Day and the fair honored all citizens who were 80 years of age and older. In 1958 the age was lowered to 75 years and older. It became Older Folks Day and has remained such today.
Each participant who is 75 years or older is registered and treated to lunch. Special thanks to the Livingston Council on Aging for co-hosting this event and providing lunch for each participant. A King
and Queen, Oldest Man, Oldest Lady, and the Longest Married Couple are selected each year from the many participants. Mrs. Nancy Stewart is our current chairman and has been for several years. Many other fair members, volunteers, and political figures have helped with the Older Folks Program over the years. This day is one both old and young enjoy. It is a good time to get together, reminisce of days gone by, and enjoy a good time.