SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Changes including New ticket pricing, free parking, different hours, and more have been announced for the fair.
On August 4, some big changes have been announced by the State Fair of Louisiana for this year and the foreseeable future. The changes come in an effort to make the fair more affordable and safer for families.
It will be a year of changes, says Interim State Fair General Manager and President Robb Brazzel.
“We’re listening to fair patrons,” says Brazzel, “and they’re telling us inflation is continuing to affect their family budgets.”
The fair celebrating its 117th year in 2023, having been the host of community activities, legendary stars, entertainers, and local livestock and agriculture. It has been an economic engine for northwest Louisiana.
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Even with how important the fair is to the area, it has been negatively impacted by weather, a pandemic, the economy, and public safety concerns, all of which have been out of its control.
That is why the legendary Fair is working hard to improve those things that it can control.
“Times have changed, and the State Fair must, too,” says 2023 State Fair Board Chairman Liz Swaine.
“The State Fair, at its heart, is pure family entertainment,” says Swaine. “From the rodeo to the livestock shows to the games, food, and rides, this is where families come to play. It is where great memories are made, year after year. These changes will help ensure that.”
Major changes include:
- Free Parking for the whole fair.
- Free ‘till Three will continue on weekdays.
- Kids under 2 are free to enter and new child tickets will be available for ages 3 - 12 for $8 each, saving families $7.
- $200k will be spent on both uniformed and plain-clothed security and law enforcement to help keep families safe.
- Everyone entering the fair will be expected to be checked and go through metal detection.
The new hours:
- Noon - 9 p.m. on weekdays
- 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on weekends
“These changes are more of our commitment to making this a family event,” says Brazzel.
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After a series of challenging years, the State Fair of Louisiana asked for the state’s assistance via State Representative Sam Jenkins.
The District 2 Representative, whose district includes the State Fairgrounds, made a $600,000 state appropriations request for the 2023 State Fair. Rep. Jenkins reached out to both the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the Speaker of the House and asked that the Appropriation be approved
“This is our State Fair,” Rep. Jenkins said. “It’s a privilege to host it in northwest Louisiana. It provides quality of life, jobs, and economic impact. Events like these need to be saved and maintained so that they will be here for future generations. South Louisiana has so many events, but we are known as the home of the State Fair of Louisiana, and I was happy to play a role in keeping it viable.”
The State Fair of Louisiana expressed that more changes are to come in the next two weeks.
For more information on the State Fair of Louisiana, you can visit the website at www.statefairoflouisiana.com
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