The Claiborne Parish Fair is approaching, bringing a week of livestock exhibitions, youth competitions and family-friendly activities to the Haynesville Fair Barn beginning Sept. 28.
The annual fair provides an opportunity for local 4-H members and other youth exhibitors to showcase the animals, projects and skills they have worked to develop throughout the year while celebrating agriculture and community involvement across Claiborne Parish.
Livestock competition will begin Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. with the Lamb and Goat Show. Exhibitors will present animals they have raised and managed while developing skills in animal care, responsibility and record keeping.
Competition continues Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. with the Poultry, Rabbit, Swine and Cattle Shows, featuring livestock projects from parish youth.
The fair will shift to an evening of music and fellowship on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with Gospel Night beginning at 6 p.m.
One of the week’s major events will take place Thursday, Oct. 1, when the community gathers for the Livestock Supper and Auction. Supper will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the auction at 7 p.m.
Community members, businesses and other supporters are encouraged to participate in the auction and support local exhibitors.
Money earned through the auction helps young people continue their livestock projects while gaining agricultural, financial and leadership experience.
The fair will offer several additional opportunities for young people to participate. Entries for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest must be submitted by 4 p.m. Sept. 28, with painted pumpkins displayed during the fair.
Activities continue Saturday, Oct. 3, beginning with a Pet Show at 10 a.m. Participants will have opportunities to showcase their pets’ talents, costumes and showmanship abilities. A Costume Contest will follow at 1 p.m., with awards recognizing creativity, originality and overall presentation.
Organizers are encouraging residents throughout Claiborne Parish to attend the fair and support the young people who have spent countless hours preparing their livestock, projects and exhibits.
Those interested in supporting the fair financially may make checks payable to the Claiborne 4-H Foundation and deliver them to the Claiborne Parish LSU AgCenter office at 507 W. Main St. in Homer.
For additional information about the Claiborne Parish Fair and its events, contact the Claiborne Parish LSU AgCenter 4-H Office at 318-927-3110 or email dhightower@agcenter.lsu.edu.