The Tangipahoa Parish Fair Association will be celebrating its 125th year of food, fun and entertainment. The fair will be located in Amite, La. at 400 Reid Ave. from Oct. 2 through Oct. 6.
In celebration of 125 years, this year the fair will host its first ever gumbo cook-off. There will also be a horse and mule pull and church services rendered in Pioneer Town on Sunday before the midway opens.
The fair is free and roughly 25,000 people attend each year.
Contests are held each year in addition to livestock shows. This year there is a scheduled bake-off, horse and pulling contest, canning contest, fair pageant and cooking contest.
"We are a country fair focused on agriculture, education, history and family entertainment," said Fair Association Secretary Tammy DiMattia. "We hold several events aimed at promoting education such as: the spelling bee, poetry and essay contest, 4-H displays and livestock show and Shake, Rattle and Roll."
The fair parade will also be held on Oct. 4.
Guests are encouraged to submit their best handmade items, canned goods, woodworking, photography, artwork, fresh vegetables and quilts. Attendees have the option to purchase food, souvenirs, tickets for carnival rides in the midway and play carnival games.
In previous years, Southeastern students and staff have loaned art and history displays to the fair for public viewing. Although there is no anticipated involvement from Southeastern this year, DiMattia said they "would love to have Southeastern involved in the fair."
Started in 1888, the fair consisted of 75 acres that exhibited a racetrack, stage, dance floor, grandstand for air shows and booths for exhibits. The fair was credited for improving the vegetation and livestock in the area.
Competitions were held to lay claims of "Best in Show," which encouraged farmers to raise a better quality of livestock. Due to relocations, in order to keep the fair alive, the fair now consists of only about 15 acres and is currently undergoing modifications and restoration of the original buildings.
For more information on the fair, visit tangipahoaparishfair.org or email [email protected]. Exhibits will be accepted Monday, Sept. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.