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The Washington Parish Free Fair will open the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 19, with a parade at 10 a.m.

The Franklinton Police Department noted that at 9:30 a.m., all streets on the parade route will be closed and floats will be brought onto Washington Street. At 9 a.m., all westbound traffic will be diverted off Louisiana Highway 10 onto Section Line Road (High School Road).

The parade will start at 10 a.m., traveling its traditional route from the intersection of 15th Avenue and Washington Street (First Finance) to Main Street and then into the fairgrounds.

The FPD, along with assistance from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and officers from Rayburn Corrections Center, will be at intersections to monitor traffic and assist with pedestrians. Remember, for public safety purposes, once the route is closed there will be no vehicle traffic allowed on the route. Keep an eye on the little ones, especially around trucks, trailers, and floats that are moving. If there is an emergency on the route, contact an officer and emergency services will be contacted.

Also, 10th Avenue (Junior High) from Howard Street to Bene Street will be one-way only into the fairgrounds. This is to allow the emergency vehicles a clear route to and from the fairgrounds.

There are “No Parking” signs along 10th Avenue and several areas from 11th Avenue to Ellis Cemetery on Bene Street. Parking on the grounds of Ellis Cemetery is not allowed. Any vehicle parked in the cemetery grounds will be towed away at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Wristbands offered by FPD

The FPD is once again offering wristbands for parents and guardians of small children and special needs individuals. The bands can be used to write your name, your child’s name and phone number on it so we may contact an adult in the event a child wanders away.

Please place the band on your child’s wrist if possible or on an item of clothing that cannot easily be removed. Also, please take a photograph of your child each day you are coming to the fair, so that in the event your child becomes separated from you, you will have a recent photo to share with FPD officers.

These bands will be available for pick up at the Franklinton Police Department dispatch before the fair and at the Franklinton Police Department command post during the fair at no cost. (These bands are for identification purposes only and cannot be used for the carnival rides).