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The Washington Parish Fair Association is hosting three opportunities to become a “Fair Volunteer.”

Since October of 2019, the fairgrounds and its facilities have collectively sat idle — with the exception of Mile Branch Christmas, the Varnado Store Museum Christmas Festival, and the use of the rodeo arena and other areas on a limited basis. With that idleness, along with a severe weather event in March, there is much to be done to host “The World’s Largest Free Fair” in October.

With only about three months until the fair, the grounds and buildings are in need of a big dose of “TLC.” The fair committee will host “work days” on Thursday, July 22, Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, and are encouraging groups, families, or anyone who wants to be involved to show up and help out.

Secretary Kaye Ladner states that the executive committee is hoping to see the Washington Parish community spirit on display, as volunteers assist with tasks ranging from mowing and weed-eating to painting, sweeping, cleaning buildings and preparing the property for the thousands who are expected to attend.

The needs are many and are not limited to the Mile Branch Settlement, which was hit particularly hard by both weather and vandals earlier this year. If one is handy or simply just willing to become a working volunteer wherever needed, there will be something to do for everyone who wants to contribute.

Work will begin each day at 7 a.m. at the stage area and end whenever the last person can’t work any longer. However, help will be appreciated at any time of the day for any length of time.

Those who want to help should contact Kaye Ladner at 985-515-9139 with any questions. Any organizations that want to schedule a time to volunteer beyond the work days should also contact Ladner.

Give a little time and effort for this year’s edition of the Washington Parish Free Fair and help make it one for the history books. See you at the fairgrounds.