ENROLLED
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 28
BY REPRESENTATIVE PUGH
A RESOLUTION
To recognize the Tangipahoa Parish Fair as the oldest fair in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, in 1888 the citizens of Tangipahoa Parish organized the first
Tangipahoa Parish Fair in Amite, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, in 1908 a tornado destroyed the fair ground, and the fair was relocated
to Hammond in 1910 and renamed; and
WHEREAS, while the fair was held in Hammond, it expanded its educational
umbrella as a center to teach children; each Friday was known as School Day allowing free
admittance to all students in the surrounding areas; special trains ran from McComb,
Mississippi, Loranger, St. Tammany Parish, Livingston Parish, and St. Helena Parish to
bring children to Eastside School in Hammond where they would march to the fairgrounds
with banners; each school was judged on its performance and appearance; and
WHEREAS, at that time, the fair featured exhibits such as auto racing, and it offered
many fairgoers their first peek at an airplane; and
WHEREAS, the fair is credited with promoting improvements in vegetation and
livestock; farmers and ranchers competed for the coveted title "Best in Show"; and
WHEREAS, after the great depression, the fair relocated to Independence as an
outgrowth of their spring fair; interest was mainly local, and the fair relocated shortly
thereafter to its original location in Amite; and
WHEREAS, in order to provide a location, local resident Joe Binder donated fifteen
acres, and buildings were erected under the supervision of the Veterans Administration; and
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WHEREAS, in the 1950s, a grandstand and a pavilion were constructed with funds
allocated by the state legislature; a livestock arena and a baseball diamond were also erected
at the fair grounds; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, a new metal building was erected which now houses all school
exhibits, and more modifications, including the restoration of the original building, have
begun; and
WHEREAS, despite the changing interests, years, and locations of the fair, one thing
that will never change is love for the Tangipahoa Parish Fair.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize the Tangipahoa Parish Fair as the oldest fair
in the state; does hereby applaud the organizers and supporters for its success; and does
hereby recognize this extraordinary fair as an integral part of the culture and history of the
state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented
to the Tangipahoa Parish Fair board members.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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