Tuesday, 31 August, 2010 10:44
by Pat Gill
Football, zydeco music, thrilling rides and games of all kinds all go together like a good pot of zesty gumbo at this year’s State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 21-Nov. 7. Fair organizers have simply outdone themselves this year.
For the first time, the Shreveport Classic will be played in conjunction with the fair. Texas’ Prairie View A&M Panthers will take on the Southern University Jaguars, Oct. 23 at the nearby Independence Stadium. The halftime showdown of the two bands will be as competitive as the gridiron action between the two powerhouse football teams.
There will be big fun under the big top with a daily circus and an exciting midway of 60 rides including the Expo Wheel, Cliff Hangar and more. What’s a fair without turkey legs, nachos, funnel cakes, popcorn and other great festival foods? And, yes, you can probably even find a great bowl of gumbo. Come get your fill of it.
Take a camel ride and encounter elephants and tigers at this year’s Ultimate Safari. Other events and performances include PJ the Clown, Balloon-a-tics, Washboard Willy, and more.
If that’s not enough, there will be 14 days of toe-tapping, hip-swaying music – free. Some of the featured bands include the Dixie Traditions, the Bellamy Brothers, Wayne Toups & Zydecajuns, and Midnight Star. Check the State Fair’s website for a complete list of entertainment.
More exciting fair firsts are the World Championship Blacksmiths Competition, Oct. 22-24, at the nearby Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and the Arena Cross motorcycle competition at Hirsch Coliseum, Nov. 6.
The State Fair has a special Opening Day deal for you. Admission and parking are free on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., admission and parking are $1 and Bill Lowery Carnival rides are $1 each. Many food items also will be $1.
After opening day, ticket prices are $8 for gate admission or $28 for an all-inclusive pass that includes admission and rides. Fun passes cost $75 per person for all 14 days of fun.
For more information call 318-635-1361.
The State Fair has hotel packages starting at $74/night on their website (http://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/specials.aspx). Also visit, www.shreveport-bossier.org for a complete list of accommodations.
A great gumbo requires lots of great ingredients, full of spice and flavor. This year’s State Fair of Louisiana is cookin’ up a great time with something for everyone.
