JENNINGS — The Jeff Davis Parish Fair is back in full swing after being cancelled last year due to COVID-19.

The fun and excitement runs Wednesday, Oct. 6 – Saturday, Oct. 9, after a year off, Fair Board President Eddie Eskew said people are ready to enjoy the annual fall tradition.

“We missed 2020 because of COVID, so there seems to be a little bit more enthusiasm about this year’s fair because of that,” Fair Board President Eddie Eskew said. “I’m hoping everyone will come out and have a good time.”

This year’s event will also mark the 100th year for the parish fair, according to Eskew.

The Mighty Thomas Carnival will provide the carnival midway featuring family attractions, rides for all ages as well as carnival games. There will also be food booths operated by area schools and organizations, craft and agriculture displays, livestock exhibits and more.

Participants from throughout the parish will compete for awards in various categories, including baking, sewing, art, photography and livestock.

Registration for agriculture and homemaking, poultry, rabbits and livestock entries will be 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 in the main office of the fairgrounds on La. 26 in Jennings.

School booths may be set up 8 a.m.-6 p.m, Tuesday, Oct. 5- 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Judging of school booths will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6. Judging of agricultural and homemaking exhibits is set for 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7.

Participants will have a chance to showcase their talents and help kick off the fair during the annual talent show at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, in the fairgrounds arena. For more information contact Sandra Guillory at 337-821-7911; Morgan Reed at 337-329-4357 or Kaye Lessard at 337-302-7351.

Festivities will continue at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 with the queen’s pageant at the fairgrounds. The winner of the pageant and her court will be featured in the fair parade on Friday.

For more information on the pageant, contact Brandy LaBouve at 337-277-5888.

Friday, Oct. 8 will be School Day. All parish schools will be closed to allow students to attend the parade, fair and livestock shows.

“That’s always one of the biggest days because parents end up bringing their kids to eat and ride the rides,” Eskew said.

The day kicks off at 9 a.m. when the annual fair parade rolls down Main Street in downtown Jennings. Former district attorney Michael Cassidy will serve as this year’s grand marshal.

For more information on the parade, contact the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-821-2116.

All livestock, poultry and rabbits must be in the barn between 6-10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8.

Judging of swine and dairy, sheep and goats, beef and rabbits will begin at noon.

All exhibits must be picked up at the fairgrounds multi-purpose building 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11. All educational booths must also be removed.