HLS 19RS-265 ORIGINAL
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 28
BY REPRESENTATIVE PUGH
COMMENDATIONS: Recognizes the Tangipahoa Parish Fair as the oldest fair in
Louisiana
1 A RESOLUTION
2To recognize the Tangipahoa Parish Fair as the oldest fair in Louisiana.
3 WHEREAS, in 1888 the citizens of Tangipahoa Parish organized the first
4Tangipahoa Parish Fair in Amite, Louisiana; and
5 WHEREAS, in 1908 a tornado destroyed the fair ground, and the fair was relocated
6to Hammond in 1910 and renamed; and
7 WHEREAS, while the fair was held in Hammond, it expanded its educational
8umbrella as a center to teach children; each Friday was known as School Day allowing free
9admittance to all students in the surrounding areas; special trains ran from McComb,
10Mississippi, Loranger, St. Tammany Parish, Livingston Parish, and St. Helena Parish to
11bring children to Eastside School in Hammond where they would march to the fairgrounds
12with banners; each school was judged on its performance and appearance; and
13 WHEREAS, at that time, the fair featured exhibits such as auto racing, and it offered
14many fairgoers their first peek at an airplane; and
15 WHEREAS, the fair is credited with promoting improvements in vegetation and
16livestock; farmers and ranchers competed for the coveted title "Best in Show"; and
17 WHEREAS, after the great depression, the fair relocated to Independence as an
18outgrowth of their spring fair; interest was mainly local, and the fair relocated shortly
19thereafter to its original location in Amite; and
20 WHEREAS, in order to provide a location, local resident Joe Binder donated fifteen
21acres, and buildings were erected under the supervision of the Veterans Administration; and
Page 1 of 2 HLS 19RS-265 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 28
1 WHEREAS, in the 1950s, a grandstand and a pavilion were constructed with funds
2allocated by the state legislature; a livestock arena and a baseball diamond were also erected
3at the fair grounds; and
4 WHEREAS, in 1987, a new metal building was erected which now houses all school
5exhibits, and more modifications, including the restoration of the original building, have
6begun; and
7 WHEREAS, despite the changing interests, years, and locations of the fair, one thing
8that will never change is love for the Tangipahoa Parish Fair.
9 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
10Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize the Tangipahoa Parish Fair as the oldest fair
11in the state; does hereby applaud the organizers and supporters for its success; and does
12hereby recognize this extraordinary fair as an integral part of the culture and history of the
13state of Louisiana.
14 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented
15to the Tangipahoa Parish Fair board members.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 28 Original 2019 Regular Session Pugh
Recognizes the Tangipahoa Parish Fair as the oldest fair in La.
Page 2 of 2