It’s where childhood memories are made with carnival rides, rodeo clowns and livestock exhibits. It all began in 1937, but it’s grown into a family friendly event with a variety of features that provide fun for all ages. The Natchitoches Parish Fair and Rodeo will come to Natchitoches Sept. 24-30, offering young and old alike a whole week of fun, food and live entertainment.
“There’s something fun for everyone,” said Board Member Julie Wohletz, who got involved in the fair with Lynn LaCaze when their children were showing livestock. As their love for the fair and rodeo grew, a group of people banded together and formed a non-profit organization called the Natchitoches Parish Fair Association. The Association holds fundraising events and organizes the week-long extravaganza that’s held annually at the Natchitoches Parish Fairgrounds.
“We’re involved in making the fair better for the kids and the community,” said Lynn. “We raise awareness for agriculture, livestock and forestry, which are big industries in for Natchitoches Parish. Most people just don’t even think about these industries, but they’re important.”
“Kid’s Day at the Fair” (Sept. 28-29) raises awareness for these industries. Children in Natchitoches Parish schools (grades PreK-2) attend the fair for FREE. It’s an educational day featuring Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office DARE and SWAT units, a truck from the Natchitoches Fire Department, a SWEPCO electricity trailer and more.
In conjunction with the fair, the Jim Leslie Memorial Rodeo (Sept. 29-30 at 7:30 pm) features cowboys and cowgirls competing. It also features special guest clown Rudy Burns.
Judged exhibitions offer junior and adult divisions that are open to the public for crafts, canning items, paintings, photography, sewing and cooking. There will be ribbons and premium money awarded.
New and annual events include:
4-H Talent Show: Sept. 28 at 6 pm
4-H BB Gun Shoot: Sept. 26 at 9 am
Forestry Skills Competition: Sept. 29 at 10 am
Beebe Martin Memorial FFA Competition: Sept. 27 from 8 am – 12 pm. Registration deadline is Sept. 15.
Sassy Senior Day: Sept. 27 from 9 am – 12 pm
For more information, a complete schedule or catalog go online to natchitochesparishfair.com.
SCHEDULE:
2017 Natchitoches Parish Fair and Rodeo: Sept. 24-30
$4 to enter (children 2 and under free)
Horse Show Registration: Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 pm, Show at 2 pm
Carnival: Sept. 27-29 from 5-10 pm and Sept. 30 from 12-10 pm
Arm Bands for Rides: $15 for Sept. 27-28 from 5-10 pm and Sept. 30 from 12-5 pm
$18 for Sept. 29 from 5-10 pm and Sept. 30 from 5-10 pm
Rodeo: Sept. 29-30 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $10 adults and $8 Children 12 and under
Blue Exhibit Building Open to Public:
Sept. 27-29 from 5-10 pm and Sept. 30 from 9 am-10 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Blue building closed to the public during judging from 8 am – 12 pm
4-H BB Gun Shoot at 9 am
Wednesday, Sept. 27 (School Spirit Night)
Sassy Senior Day from 9 am – 12 pm
Beebe Martin Memorial FFA Competition from 8 am – 12 pm
Poultry and Rabbit Show at 5:15 pm
Fair Opening Ceremonies at 6 pm
Dance Studios and Cheer Groups at 6 pm
Thursday, Sept. 28 (Kids Day)
Parish showmanship at 5 pm
4-H Talent Show at 6:30 pm
Friday, Sept. 29 (Kids Day)
Forestry Skills Competition at 10 am
Market Lamb Show at 5 pm
Market and Breeding Goat Show at 6 pm
Rodeo at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Sept. 30
Chili Cookout at 10 am with a tasting at 12 pm
Dairy Show at 12 pm
House pet show at 1:30 pm
Beef Show at 2 pm
Rodeo at 7:30 pm
Paid Advertising
