The Calcasieu-Cameron Fair — held every year save for during World War II and in 2005, the year Hurricane Rita struck — will open its gates at 923 Lewis St. Oct. 16-21.

The fair, one of the oldest such events in the state, will feature beauty pageants, a carnival, a parade and livestock show, and plenty of food.

The fair was started by Alvin LaFargue in Lake Charles to give farmers a chance to sell their goods. In 1924, when Lake Charles was no longer interested in hosting the event, LaFargue formed a fair board with his wife, Forestine.

The fair was subsequently held at various locations, but has been on Lewis Street since 1949.

The pageants will begin Oct. 16 with the awarding of the Petite Miss, Deb Miss, Miss Pre-Teen, Freshman Miss and Junior Miss crowns. Teen Miss Cal-Cam will be chosen Thursday.

Miss Cal-Cam will receive a McNeese scholarship, an expense-paid trip to the Queen of Queen’s Pageant and other prizes.

Zydecane will provide music Oct. 18, and Steel Shot will perform on Oct. 19.

Food will include gumbo, jambalaya, funnel cakes and other fried treats, and cotton candy. Space is available for local artists and craftsman to show and sell their creations.

The fair parade will roll through Sulphur at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 19, and high school bands and other groups are invited to participate.

The Cal-Cam Livestock Show will be Saturday, Oct. 12, at the West Cal Arena and is open to all Calcasieu and Cameron students. Entry fee is $20, and showmanship registration is $10. Winners will receive belt buckles, and four $400 scholarships will be awarded.

For more information, call 527-9371.

(American Press Archives)

(American Press Archives)