Founded by a group of Shreveport's leading citizens in 1906, the State Fair of Louisiana is celebrating its 100th year. The founders' primary interests were to provide an institution to assist in developing the agricultural and industrial resources of the area and for the betterment of the citizens.
The State Fair of Louisiana, though located in Shreveport and the official State Fair for the State of Louisiana, has no formal ties to either the City or State. It is a private, not-for-profit membership organization with members representing a broad cross-section of Louisiana citizens who have exhibited interest in the goals and objectives of the Fair. The Fair is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership. Fair operations are directed by the President and General Manager, and assisted by a full-time staff as well as hundreds of volunteers.
Location
The State Fair of Louisiana is situated on approximately 157 acres and is located just off Interstate 20, with access from Jewella and Hearne Avenues. The Fairgrounds are located about three miles west of downtown Shreveport.
(click here for map)Fairgrounds
Although it is one of the state's largest single attractions and the State Fair of Louisiana's largest fundraiser, staging the annual exposition is but one of many activities held on the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds facilities, including the 10,300 seat Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, are used weekly for a multitude of "off-season" functions, such as musical concerts, hockey games and other ice events, sporting events, livestock shows, rodeos, and motor coach rallies.
Separate entities from the State Fair include Fair Grounds Field, Independence Stadium and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. The annual Independence Bowl is played in the Independence Stadium in late December.
Membership
The State Fair of Louisiana is proud to hold memberships in the following related organizations: International Association of Fairs and Expositions, American Livestock Show & Rodeo Managers Association, Midwest Fairs Association, National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc., the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, Inc., and the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.