The 118th edition of the State Fair of Louisiana will introduce some new features.

New carnival operator brings improvements

Fall in northwest Louisiana has many traditions associated with it, not the least of which is the Louisiana State Fair. This year marks the 118th edition of the Fair, which opened in 1906, just over 40 years after the Civil War ended. Although a lot has changed since then, this edition will introduce some new features, according to the Fair’s marketing manager, Russell Adams.

This year, the most obvious change will be the new carnival operator bringing the Fair’s midway to life, Talley Amusements of Fort Worth.

“They do the Texas State Fair over in Dallas,” Adams explained. “We’re proud to get them, and I think it will be a big improvement on our midway.

Canines trained to thrill audiences.

Performers amaze with acrobatic acts.

“Some of the rides are larger, similar, but larger than we’ve had out here before. They’re dressed up with really pretty LED lights, especially at nighttime. Some of the lighting effects they’re putting on these rides are breathtaking.”

Adams said a new Grand Entrance will be decked out with special lighting this year. He added that all the tents for the Fair will be color-coordinated, and there will be some new amenities bound to please young and old alike. Restrooms have gotten a makeover; there will be large break areas with tables and chairs for people to relax and even charging stations for cell phones. But cosmetics take second place to safety.

“That’s one thing that Talley takes a lot of pride in. They’re one of the safest carnivals in the country. Mr. and Mrs. Talley, the owners, will get out there. Mr. Talley, from what I understand, is a licensed crane operator. And he gets out there and works with the rest of the crew,” according to Adams.

The LRCA Rodeo will be held Nov. 2.

More security cameras are going up this year, he said. “The safety policies we put in place last year worked very well, especially the curfew. Minors, after 6:00, had to be accompanied by an adult. We’ve worked very closely with the Shreveport Police and have a good relationship with them. We didn’t have any problems out here last year.”

Adams said a “clear bag” policy will enhance safety for fairgoers this year. “The Humor and Harmony Festival did that, and many fairs around the country have gone to that. Our size will be 12” by 12” by 6”. We do make exceptions if people have medical devices and things like that. They’ll search them to ensure there’s nothing in there that doesn’t need to be there.”

He said the no-weapons policy will remain in effect, and enhancements are in place to streamline the entrance process. “We’re trying to make it where people can get through the gates quicker. Last year, we were very similar to what Brookshire’s Arena does at its entrance. We have a very highly trained staff down there doing security. We try to get them through as quickly as possible.”

Once inside, fairgoers will experience more features, events and sights than there is space in this paper to print. A good place to get the full picture and updates about the Fair is on their new website at https://www.statefairoflouisiana.com. There is room for some of the highlights, however.

The LRCA Rodeo, usually held on the second weekend, will be a week earlier this year. Adams explained, “The Fair had to be pushed back a week to accommodate Talley’s because they are bringing some really big rides over here from the Texas State Fair. We’re going to have the largest Ferris wheel traveling in the country. We will be opening Oct 30 this year and running through Nov. 17. Three consecutive weeks. Closed Monday and Tuesday. But we will be open on Election Day. We’ve done that before. When the schools close for Election Day, we always open.”

The second weekend will spotlight veterans and the military. “That’s where we honor the military and veterans, and they get in free with their military ID,” Adams said. “The parade starts at 2 o’clock down the midway, which is always a big deal. Following the parade at 4 o’clock, Word of God Ministries will host Faith at the Fair on the main stage. They’ll have the worship band out here, and they’ll deliver a message. That will be the second Sunday of the Fair.”

One of the highlights of the annual Fair is Latino Day. It’s moving from its traditional Sunday slot to the final Saturday this year. Organizers polled attendees, who overwhelmingly voted to have the celebration on Saturday.

If you’re wondering about cost, Adams said, “Gate admission tickets are on sale at Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods and [the State Fair] website.

You can save $10 on the Pay One Price, which is the ticket, the ride armband and the gate ticket. That’s the POP.

You’ll save $5 on the gate admission, which is $5 at the Fair if you buy it in advance, it’ll be $10 after that. Those advance ticket sales discounts will stop when the Fair opens, so Oct. 29 is the last day we’ll offer those discounts.”

Gate admission is free on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and parking will be free again this year throughout the run. The Fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The gates will close each evening at 9 p.m., one hour before the officials close of the day’s Fair.

Performances by a variety of musicians and entertainers.

“We’ll have some discount days, Wednesday and Thursday, $5 admission. Halloween, Oct. 31, is $3 day. $3 admission and $3 per ride,” Adams added.

If you’re bad at math, there is a full breakdown of the pricing on the website. Again, weapons, such as concealed or open carry, are not allowed to enter the fairgrounds’ property even if you are a concealed weapons permit holder. Law enforcement with credentials will be the only exception.

There’s a lot new about this year’s Louisiana State Fair, and weather permitting, a lot of folks will be there to enjoy it.