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FRANKLINTON, La. – For the first time in the history of the Washington Parish Free Fair, which is currently labeled as the world’s largest free fair, will no longer offer any free parking spaces on fairgrounds. A fee of $10 will be charged per vehicle, according to the Washington Parish Free Fair Secretary, Kaye Ladner.  It will cost to park on the lots next to and behind the fairgrounds that are privately owned, as well as at homes throughout the city.

The Washington Parish Free Fair will hold the first events of its 111th year on Monday, Oct. 16 with the Home Town Throwdown starting at 6:00 P.M. in the Franklinton High School Demons Stadium. The fairgrounds will open Wednesday, Oct. 18 after the parade beginning at 10:00 A.M. and immediately followed by an opening ceremony and balloon release at 12:00 P.M., which will feature Grand Marshall Smokey Bear.

The Washington Parish Free Fair Association has been breaking even over the last few years and is in search of ways to go back to turning a profit. This can be seen in the decision to begin opening on Sundays, instead of ending the fair on Saturday. While the fair technically continues to maintain no entrance fee, the idea of building a fence around the property and charging an entrance fee has been discussed by the organization.