With the dates of the Washington Parish Free Fair rapidly approaching, Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal cautioned parish residents and visitors to be cautious as they enjoy the fair.
Seal offers the following suggestions for safety:

• First and foremost, know where your children are at all times. Prepare a written note with the child’s name, the parent’s name, the parent’s cell phone number, the parent’s address and any other necessary information. Place that information in the child’s pocket or other location so that law enforcement officials can quickly identify a lost child and locate a parent or other responsible adult. Each year, several children become separated from their parents. Most children have no identification on them and some are too young to give addresses and phone numbers. Always know what your child is wearing so you can give that information to officers.

• Teach your young child your name. When asked the name of their mother or father, some young children simply say “Mommy” or “Daddy.” Try to make certain your child knows your name.

• Always designate a meeting point at the fair in the event you are separated from your children. Suggestions are the train near the rodeo arena or the clock near the stage.

• Advise children who may become lost to seek out a uniformed officer who will take them to the Sheriff’s command center near the entrance to the midway. Children will be supervised at the command center until claimed by parents.

• Groups are safer than being alone. Try to move around the fairgrounds with others instead of alone. This is especially important for children and teenagers who may not have parental or adult supervision. Large crowds often attract predators. Don’t give a predator the opportunity to make you a victim. Young females should be particularly cautious.

• If someone you don’t know offers you something to eat or drink, refuse it. There is always the possibility that the food or drink has been tampered with.

• Do not bring alcohol or illegal drugs to the fair. If you are caught with either, you will be arrested. The Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for such behavior. If you see someone with alcohol or illegal drugs, report them to the nearest uniformed officer.

• Do not bring a firearm to the Fair. The Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for such behavior and you will go to jail if you have a firearm.

• Fighting will not be tolerated on the fairgrounds. If you have a disagreement, settle it responsibly. Fighting will earn you a trip to the parish jail.

• Stay in well-lighted areas at night and do not wander into adjacent woods for any reason.

• Keep cash and credit cards secure. Don’t lose them and make sure they are not visible when you walk around.

Two law enforcement command centers will be located on the fairgrounds. The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office command center will be located across from the train engine near the entrance to the midway. The Franklinton Police Department command center will be located near the front entrance to the fairgrounds, across from the old armory. Officers will be available at each command center throughout the fair to assist anyone.

Please note this very important parking notice. The parking area for disabled persons has been changed. In previous years, this parking was located behind the Sheriff’s Office command center. Parking for disabled persons is now located adjacent to the maintenance barn near the north end ofthe rodeo arena.

Seal reminds all fair visitors that the fair is a family event to be enjoyed by everyone.

“I wish everyone a safe and happy fair experience,” Seal said. “Enjoy the fair, enjoy your family and friends, enjoy the exhibits and the rodeo, enjoy the variety of free acts on the stage, enjoy the unique fair food and enjoy the privilege of gathering as citizens of a free nation for a few days of fun and relaxation. See you at the fair.”