Washington Parish Living Fall 2021

WASHINGTON PARISH

Living

FALL 2021

IT’S TIME FOR THE

FAIR

Learn about the bands, other activities as the annual event returns

WHAT YOU NEED

Inside today’s edition are more than 40 pages about the Washington Parish Fair

BIG BLEATING DEAL

Millers’ farm might be the largest goat dairy facility in the entire state

FROM THE PUBLISHER

W

by Justin Schuver

ELCOME L

ittle did we all know, that when the Washington Parish Fair officially ended on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, it would be almost two years before there would be another one.

Obviously COVID-19 has changed our lives in more ways than we can count. But for those of us who live in Washington Parish, perhaps the strangest change was the cancelation of events like the MCCA Mardi Gras parade, the Blues and Heritage Festival, and — of course — the Washington Parish Fair.

Although COVID-19 is still with us, a lot has changed since then. We now have vaccinations and other treatments, and we understand the importance of practicing safe hygiene habits. The pandemic might still be going on, but the Washington Parish Fair

Association isn’t going to allow it to cancel the event for a second straight year.

We encourage everyone to enjoy the fair safely. Remember, masks will still be required for some indoor exhibits. We will all enjoy the chance to celebrate the coming of fall in the Washington Parish Fair once again, for the 109th time.

As a sign of our special excitement about the fair’s return after almost two years, we have decided to combine the annual Daily News special section into the fall 2021 edition of Washington Parish Living. We hope you enjoy it, and have a great time at the fair!

Thanks for reading Washington Parish Living. If you have any ideas for future stories, please call me at 985-732-2565 or email justin.schuver@bogalusadailynews.com.

During all the ups and downs of life’s rollercoaster, we’ll be here for you.

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CONTENTS

PARISH

PARISH

PERFORMERS

WASHINGTON PARISH

Living

he Washington Parish Fair Stage Committee is excited to announce that fanfavorite Frank Foster will headline the Friday night performances on Friday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 p.m.

Foster embodies musical independence at its highest level.

He not only has taken the road less traveled, but the road almost never traveled. Acting as his own record label, management, booking agency and publishing company, he has managed to find success that some major label artist may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oilfield man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight; all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched.

His musical journey started in 2011 with the release of his first album Rowdy Reputation.

To follow that up, he released his second album Red Wings and Six Strings which debuted at #30 on the Billboard Country Charts and No. 1 on Billboard’s South Central U.S. Heat Seeker’s chart. Foster’s

IT’S TIME FOR THE

FAIR WHAT YOU NEED

Inside today’s edition are more than 40 pages about the Washington Parish Fair

BIG BLEATING DEAL

Millers’ farm might be the largest goat dairy facility in the entire state

next five albums also all debuted on the Billboard Country Charts.

Southern Soul was released in 2013; Rhythm and Whiskey was released in 2014; his early 2016 release, Boots On The Ground, debuted at No. 7. Later in 2016,

he released Good Country Music and in 2018, he released his seventh album, Til I’m Gone, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales Charts.

He’s a singer, a songwriter and his own boss. He refuses to let

anyone water down his kind of country music. If he lives it, he writes it; if he writes it, he sings it; if he sings it, he believes it. Foster is definitely an entertainer who will help fairgoers forget 2020 and have a great time at the 2021 fair.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 21

20 Frank Foster

Country music superstar will be headlining the fair’s live entertainment on Friday, Oct. 22 PRIDE

GETTING THEIR GOAT

The happy faces of young people enjoying the Washington Parish Fair will be a regular sight this year, as the event returns after a one-year hiatus from COVID-19 (photo by Courtney Schilling).

WRITERS Chris Kinkaid Justin Schuver PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Bautista Stephanni Cassidy Karen Fontenot

ADVERTISING Carol Case

wounded war heroes. He has also partnered with Leer Vineyards out of Byron, Calif., to become the face of Heroic Red Wine, which is a red wine that gives a portion of every bottle sold to the MWSF to support the awarding of these mortgage free homes. Coffey’s life-size stand up figure can now be found in Walmart Supercenters across the country, alongside the Heroic Red Wine. This star is rising.

Anderson is both a music, Netflix star offey Anderson grew up in the small town of Bangs, Texas. His father worked at the local jail and his mother was a junior high English teacher. He attended a small town college and borrowed a guitar from a then girlfriend’s dad. Learning chords in his dorm room and singing would attract his fellow college students to come and listen. After singing in a local opening slot for a band that came to town, Coffey had a small buzz. He never looked back.

After record labels, felt like Coffey wasn’t ready to be signed, Coffey created YouTube.com/CoffeySouthernMan and started his OWN career. Coffey used his music, comedy, and his personality to get his Youtube channel off the ground. He then started producing his own albums, booking his own shows, and editing his videos in his garage. With Youtube and Facebook combined, Coffey

Anderson has over 800 million views. Coffey, Southern Man, standing at 6-foot-5, has sold over 700,000 iTunes downloads (without a record label), has over 203,000 YouTube subscribers, over 621,000 Facebook likes, over 31,000 Twitter followers and over 157,000 Instagram followers.

Coffey had a video go viral and

he got a reality show out of it! The video had over 60 million views and the show was bought by Netflix. “Country Ever After” can now be called a certified hit, with over 50 million viewers worldwide.

Coffey is constantly touring on stage, performing at big concerts like Rodeo Houston, meeting the President at the White House,

singing live on the Snoop & Martha cooking show, but still doing county fairs, private events, festivals, and faith-based shows.

He is also a national commercial actor with the likes of Disney, Taco Bell, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. His last full-length release, Cowboy Style, debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Country charts. He

COURTESY PHOTO/Coffey Anderson official web site

Coffey Anderson meets famous television personality and game show host, Steve Harvey.

22 FALL 2021

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 23

22 Coffey Anderson

Thursday’s main stage headliner has made a name for himself in both music as well as a Netflix show PARISH

PARISH

MOMENTS

MOMENTS

MEMORIES OF THE PAST, READY TO MAKE MORE It’s hard to believe that the last Washington Parish Fair was held almost two years ago. The fairgrounds has endured COVID-19, vandalism and weather, but in just a few days it will be the site for colorful experiences like the ones shown here from the 2019 fair.

Photos by Courtney Schilling

Locals sell milk from a unique source Story by Chris Kinkaid • Photos by Chris Kinkaid and courtesy of Nathan Miller

F

ranklinton residents, husband and wife Nathan and Erin Miller own Circle M. Farms, where they produce dairy products for plenty of restaurants.

Nathan Miller said they have the largest goat dairy farm in the state.

“About seven or eight years ago, my wife and I were kind of chit chatting about raising a couple of goats after we had kids,” Nathan Miller said. “We wanted to do something on our homestead. We had cattle, chickens and stuff like that, but we wanted to do our own thing. We didn’t expect it to take off, but I’m a functioning workaholic. I’ve got a background in cuisine and food. I’ve got a love for producing my own stuff like cake, cheese or steak without having a culinary background.”

The way they get the milk for the dairy products is by milking goats.

“We started off with four goats, sampled our products out, got grade ‘A’ licensing and now we’re milking about 75 goats,” Miller said. “We’ll be close to 100 by next year.”

Miller said they have about 150 goats on their property.

STAFF Terryl Hicks Chris Kinkaid Nathan Miller Courtney Schilling

fee houses to bars and taverns, weddings and private events. Coffey has found his niche in a variety of atmospheres across the world. A fan favorite night in-night out, Coffey appeals to all markets with his down-to-earth charisma, southern charm, and comedic personality.

Coffey has partnered with great charity organizations like: Keegans Promise, the Military Warriors Support Foundation based in San Antonio, Texas, in order to help raise funds to award mortgage free homes to

C

20 FALL 2021

On The Cover

beat out the likes of Chris Stapleton and Kane Brown. It also debuted No. 16 on the Billboard music charts. He beat out the likes of Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande.

Coffey has performed on Fox and Friends, Glenn Beck’s The Blaze, CMT, BET, TBN, NBC, and countless stages making people laugh with jokes, and dance with his golden voice. Since his stint on NBC’s Nashville Star, Coffey typically performs 2-3 shows per week. From small stadiums to rodeos, cof-

Coffey Anderson will be performing on the main stage Thursday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m.

PARISH

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Justin Schuver

COFFEY TIME AT THE FAIR

Country music star hits stage Friday

T

FALL 2021

Learn about the bands, other activities as the annual event returns

PERFORMERS

FOSTER SET TO HEADLINE

52 FALL 2021

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 53

58 FALL 2021

52 Goat Dairy Farm

Millers’ products are used in New Orleans restaurants

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 59

58 Parish Moments

See dozens of photographs from recent local events

COMPOSITION Kim Gerald OFFICE MANAGER Mildred Newman

INFORMATION: Washington Parish Living is published four times per year by Bogalusa Newsmedia, LLC. All content is subject to copyright.

8 Events Find out everything you need to know about what’s playing on the main stage this year

ADVERTISING: Advertising rates and information available upon request by emailing carol.case@ bogalusadailynews.com.

POSTMASTER: Please send any changes of address or undeliverable information attn: Washington Parish Living, P.O. Box 820, Bogalusa, LA 70429

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 5

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PARISH

YOUTH

A FOND ‘FAIR’-WELL

Stogner had ‘life changing’ royal reign

By Abby Stogner, Outgoing Washington Parish Fair Queen “A crown worn on the head will last a year (or two in my case), but a crown worn on the heart will last a lifetime.” y reign as Washington Parish Fair Queen has truly been life changing. It has been two years full of adventures, surprises, challenges, growth, and countless smiles … and I wouldn’t change one thing. On Oct. 20, I am closing one of the most beautiful chapters in the book of my life. I will forever be thankful for the Washington Parish Fair organization and the executive board for all of the opportunities this title has given me.

For two years, I have traveled across our beautiful state, and I have treasured every second of it: the people, the fairs, the festivals and the love everyone has for the iconic events our state is so well-known for. It has been an amazing experience to witness the love, strength and resilience that each Louisianan shares for our fairs and festivals.

We are all tied by heartstrings and being able to witness this weekend after weekend leaves me beaming with pride. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community and state that possesses such pride and love for all the countless events that showcase our unique culture and traditions.

When I set out to compete for the title of Washington Parish Fair Queen in 2019, I never realized the impact it would have on my life. It quickly became about so much more than me and the crown that was placed on my head. Although it has been a time of trials and tribulations, I truly believe our parish and community are stronger than we could have ever imagined. These past two years will definitely go down in history, just maybe not the way we hoped. We were dealt a difficult hand by forces beyond our control, but we came together and persevered. Witnessing that is what I am most thankful for today.

To my successor, congratulations and enjoy every moment! It will be a year you will cherish forever. I also invite everyone to the pageant at 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening of the fair as I crown a new queen. For the final time, “Washington Parish tried and true, our picnic spirit is waiting for you! Proudly representing the nation’s largest free fair, I am your Washington Parish Fair Queen Abby Leigh Stogner.”

M

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 7

8 FALL 2021

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 9

www.bogalusa.org

Wendy O’Quin-Perrette Mayor Judson Theodore “Teddy” Drummond AT LARGE Penny Douglas COUNCIL AT LARGE Gloria Kates DISTRICT A Danielle Keys VICE PRESIDENT DISTRICT B Oneita Graham DISTRICT C Kenny Kellis DISTRICT D Mark Irvine PRESIDENT • DISTRICT E 202 Arkansas Avenue Bogalusa, LA • 70429-1179 985-732-6200 10 FALL 2021

Bogalusa Parks & Recreation and Cuture Commission presented the First Annual Bogalusa Open Market on October 2nd.

STAY SAFE. STAY INFORMED. All Bogalusa Information can be Found at www.bogalusa.org

PARISH

PRIDE

WELCOME TO THE FAIR!

After two years, we’re ready to celebrate

By Cole Ladner, Outgoing Washington Parish Fair Board President

I

n 2017, I assumed the role of Vice President of the Executive Committee for the Washington Parish Free Fair. I did so with the knowledge that after then President Jackie Boone’s two-year term, I would become President of the fair board. The officers who have served the past three years alongside me are Vice-President James Magruder, Secretary Kaye Ladner, Treasurer Ellen Waskom, and Building/Grounds Chairman Donald Folse. I grew up in a home where the fair was extremely important, and from an early age my parents showed me the value in being a fair volunteer. However, nothing could have prepared me for the challenges the fair officers, board members and committee chairmen have experienced during my tenure as President.

No one could have predicted a global pandemic leading to the cancelation of the 2020 fair. A tornado in March 2021 caused substantial damage to the fairgrounds and Mile Branch Settlement, and just as we were gearing up for this year’s fair, Hurricane Ida raked across the parish. As an employee with Creel Brothers, during my time in office I also traveled to Miami, Puerto Rico and Lake Charles to clear hurricane damage. Luckily for me, the success of the fair does not hinge on the physical presence of the President. It can be likened to a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly thanks to the efforts of so many committed volunteers.

I offer particular thanks to Mike, Jason and Scott Creel as well as the rest of the Creel Brothers crew who not only volunteer their time and talents to the fair but also for allowing me to take care of fair matters when needed. Also, I especially thank and congratulate 2021 Fair Honoree Donald Folse. Without his great work ethic and dedication to the grounds and buildings, we simply could not have a safe and memorable fair. His is a yearround job that does not end with the last day of the fair. I hope everyone who sees Donald at the fair will offer him a handshake of gratitude and “job well done” as fair honoree.

I have been blessed to meet and become friends with so many who have selflessly given their time and energy to making sure that each October this parish has it biggest reunion. I sincerely thank all the fair volunteers no matter how large or small their role may be. Each one makes the fair the special event it is.

I could not have served in this capacity without the love and support of my wife Tra and son Hal as well as the encouragement of my parents Ed and Kaye Ladner. Thanks to my church family at Hillcrest Baptist for lifting me up in prayers during the toughest times.

My term of office will be coming to an end in December, and I will once again become simply a fair volunteer. I offer my best wishes and service to incoming President James Magruder. The fair’s governing body will be left in capable hands.

It has been my honor to serve. See you at the fair!

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Welcome to the Fair!

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Bogalusa City Court I would like to encourage everyone to be safe and hope y’all have a great time with family and friends.

12 FALL 2021

ORNAMENTS FOR SALE AT FAIR COURTESY PHOTO

They’re here — the 2021 Washington Parish Fair “Welcome Home” Christmas ornaments! These have been designed and hand painted by local artist Taffenie Mizell. Ornaments will be $20 apiece, available at the souvenir booth near the main stage.

OFFICIAL FAIR T-SHIRT COURTESY PHOTO

This year’s official fair T-shirt proudly displays the slogan of the annual event — “The fair with the picnic spirit.”

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WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 13

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PARISH

FOOD

SWEETS AND TASTY TREATS Concessions, snacks galore at the fair

A

sk five fairgoers what they like best, and four will likely say “the food.” The Washington Parish fair offers a wide variety of food to visitors ranging from hamburgers to gumbo, southern barbecue to Chinese, and blooming onions to ice cream and funnel cake.

One of the oldest concession booths is a mainstay just behind the stage and is not only manned by the Franklinton High School Band Boosters but has also been a convenient meeting place for kids as well as their parents and grandparents.

The Big Kitchen is another handy meeting spot and features Sugar Shack which opens for breakfast as well as provides the only indoor dining room on the fairgrounds.

From there, one can sample Brooks Chicken Shack, Grand Chinese Buffet, Kat Daddy’s, Rusty Pelican, Sweet Daddy’s and world-famous Letha’s Barbecue.

Concessions chairman Dennie Fowler admits he faced a challenge a securing tenants for all the booths after the pandemic. However, three new offerings are sure to become favorites — Pine Malt Stand, The Lake House and New Orleans Style Seafood will be making their debut at the fair, and Fowler feels they more adequately replace those who opted not to return for 2021.

Additionally, the rodeo arena features two concessions, conveniently located on each side of the bleachers.

It wouldn’t be “The Fair with the Picnic Spirit” without something for everyone to have for lunch, supper and snacks in between. All concession booths should be open and running by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 15

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COURTESY PHOTO/Karen Fontenot

Lauryn Smith was one of many youth volunteers who helped work to be sure that Mile Branch Settlement will be ready for the fair.

Spelling Bee at the Mile Branch

We will be closed Wednesday, October 20th & Saturday, October 23rd for the fair.

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MON - FRI • 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM SAT • 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

T

he 2021 Mile Branch Spelling Bee at the Washington Parish Fair is sponsored by Kappa Kappa lota / Iota Chapter; Delta Kappa Gamma / Beta Rho Chapter; and the Washington Parish Reading Council.

The Spelling Bee chairperson is Carolyn McElveen and committee members are Joan Kennedy, Phyllis Thomas and Toni Tageant.

All participants must wear a mask.

Contestants must be a resident of Washington Parish.

Contestants are encouraged to dress in pioneer attire; however, this is not mandatory.

Each school will select a winner and alternate from this school year from the fifth and sixth grades. The names of each winner and alternate must be received by Friday, Oct. 15. The chairperson at each school is responsible for submitting the names to the Spelling Bee Chairperson. Names of the contestants (winners and alternates) must be emailed to carolynmcelveen@gmail.com.

The words will be selected from state approved spellers.

The Spelling Bee will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, in the Old Mt. Hermon School at Mile Branch Settlement. Please be present by 3:45 p.m. Only participants are allowed in the school for the contest. Parents and others can wait outside for the results. Photos will be made at the end of the Spelling Bee.

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Since then, we have existed on one motto: “Doing business the right way since 1929.”

Over the last 90 years, Bill Hood Chevrolet has prioritized customer experience with every new and used vehicle transaction and every service appointment. We will always welcome you with a warm smile and handshake, listen to your needs, be transparent on pricing, and fight to secure you the best deal and the best financing offer. Our sales staff is not pushy, but is rather there to hear what you are looking for and guide you to options that meet your needs without any high-pressure sales tactics.

As a Chevy flagship store, we carry everyone’s favorite Chevy trucks, as well as many of the higher trims on Chevy vehicles that our customers love. We also have a GM-certified service department with specially trained technicians who have specific knowledge of Chevy vehicles to perform higher-quality issues and more easily spot potential vehicle issues. In the service department, technicians use only genuine Chevy parts for the best fit and performance.

Over the last 100 years, Bill Hood Chevrolet has been deeply involved in the Covington community and has been an avid supporter of the area—and of this great country in general.

You might recognize us from our big American flag flying in front of the store, easily visible from the highway. If you share our American ideals of integrity, transparency, and kindness, you’ll fit in just fine at Bill Hood Chevrolet. We hope you’ll be a part of our continued history as we launch into our second century of business.

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WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 17

COURTESY PHOTO

Bogalusa’s own Joel Galloway will perform on the Main Stage on Friday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m.

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WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 19

20 FALL 2021

PARISH

PERFORMERS

FOSTER SET TO HEADLINE

Country music star hits stage Friday

T

he Washington Parish Fair Stage Committee is excited to announce that fanfavorite Frank Foster will headline the Friday night performances on Friday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 p.m.

Foster embodies musical independence at its highest level.

He not only has taken the road less traveled, but the road almost never traveled. Acting as his own record label, management, booking agency and publishing company, he has managed to find success that some major label artist may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oilfield man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight; all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched.

His musical journey started in 2011 with the release of his first album Rowdy Reputation.

To follow that up, he released his second album Red Wings and Six Strings which debuted at #30 on the Billboard Country Charts and No. 1 on Billboard’s South Central U.S. Heat Seeker’s chart. Foster’s

next five albums also all debuted on the Billboard Country Charts.

Southern Soul was released in 2013; Rhythm and Whiskey was released in 2014; his early 2016 release, Boots On The Ground, debuted at No. 7. Later in 2016,

he released Good Country Music and in 2018, he released his seventh album, Til I’m Gone, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales Charts.

He’s a singer, a songwriter and his own boss. He refuses to let

anyone water down his kind of country music. If he lives it, he writes it; if he writes it, he sings it; if he sings it, he believes it. Foster is definitely an entertainer who will help fairgoers forget 2020 and have a great time at the 2021 fair.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 21

PARISH

PERFORMERS

COFFEY TIME AT THE FAIR Anderson is both a music, Netflix star Coffey Anderson will be performing on the main stage Thursday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m.

C

offey Anderson grew up in the small town of Bangs, Texas. His father worked at the local jail and his mother was a junior high English teacher. He attended a small town college and borrowed a guitar from a then girlfriend’s dad. Learning chords in his dorm room and singing would attract his fellow college students to come and listen. After singing in a local opening slot for a band that came to town, Coffey had a small buzz. He never looked back.

After record labels, felt like Coffey wasn’t ready to be signed, Coffey created YouTube.com/CoffeySouthernMan and started his OWN career. Coffey used his music, comedy, and his personality to get his Youtube channel off the ground. He then started producing his own albums, booking his own shows, and editing his videos in his garage. With Youtube and Facebook combined, Coffey

22 FALL 2021

Anderson has over 800 million views. Coffey, Southern Man, standing at 6-foot-5, has sold over 700,000 iTunes downloads (without a record label), has over 203,000 YouTube subscribers, over 621,000 Facebook likes, over 31,000 Twitter followers and over 157,000 Instagram followers.

Coffey had a video go viral and

he got a reality show out of it! The video had over 60 million views and the show was bought by Netflix. “Country Ever After” can now be called a certified hit, with over 50 million viewers worldwide.

Coffey is constantly touring on stage, performing at big concerts like Rodeo Houston, meeting the President at the White House,

singing live on the Snoop & Martha cooking show, but still doing county fairs, private events, festivals, and faith-based shows.

He is also a national commercial actor with the likes of Disney, Taco Bell, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. His last full-length release, Cowboy Style, debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Country charts. He

beat out the likes of Chris Stapleton and Kane Brown. It also debuted No. 16 on the Billboard music charts. He beat out the likes of Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande.

Coffey has performed on Fox and Friends, Glenn Beck’s The Blaze, CMT, BET, TBN, NBC and countless stages, making people laugh with jokes, and dance with his golden voice. Since his stint on NBC’s Nashville Star, Coffey typically performs 2-3 shows per week. From small stadiums to rodeos, cof-

fee houses to bars and taverns, weddings and private events, Coffey has found his niche in a variety of atmospheres across the world. A fan favorite night in-night out, Coffey appeals to all markets with his down-to-earth charisma, southern charm, and comedic personality.

Coffey has partnered with great charity organizations like: Keegans Promise, the Military Warriors Support Foundation based in San Antonio, Texas, in order to help raise funds to award mortgage free homes to

wounded war heroes. He has also partnered with Leer Vineyards out of Byron, Calif., to become the face of Heroic Red Wine, which is a red wine that gives a portion of every bottle sold to the MWSF to support the awarding of these mortgage free homes. Coffey’s life-size stand up figure can now be found in Walmart Supercenters across the country, alongside the Heroic Red Wine. This star is rising.

COURTESY PHOTO/Coffey Anderson official web site

Coffey Anderson meets famous television personality and game show host, Steve Harvey.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 23

24 FALL 2021

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PERFORMERS

‘BIG DADDY’ READY TO GO Tufts has been playing more than 30 years Big Daddy “O” will be performing Friday at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

F

or more than 30 years, Big Daddy “O” (a.k.a. Owen Tufts) has been playing in roadhouses and bars in the delta area near the Louisiana/Mississippi border. Rabadash Records “discovered” Big Daddy “O” playing at Betty’s Bar in Amite, at the turn of the century.

His approach to performing songs makes each song sound like his own, and everyone who has the pleasure of hearing him loves his big beautiful voice and goodnatured presentation. He performs as a solo with his acoustic guitar custom made for him by guitar luthier Scott Quiroz in San Diego, Calif., or with a full hard hitting blues band demonstrating his considerable blues chops on his 1969 Les Paul Deluxe.

Big Daddy “O” has performed from Hawaii to Florida, Seattle to New Hampshire on large stages and intimate clubs. He is universally loved by his audience wherever he plays. His work has seen airplay on over 300 radio stations around the world, including nationally syndicated shows.

Big Daddy “O” has been featured on Dan Aykroyd’s House of Blues Radio Network, reaching No. 4 above Eric Clapton on that network for the year of 2008. He has

26 FALL 2021

achieved “picks to click” for three separate cuts on XM Bluesville Radio, which is broadcast via satellite all over the North America.

Of course, he’s a mainstay on WWOZ in New Orleans, where he got his start singing as a child in his family’s barbershop quartet.

At the age of 19, he became a street musician in the French Quarter, singing and playing guitar, and stealing licks where ever he could. He tried a year at LSUNO — enjoying only music classes and concerts, he decided not to stay, but that’s where he met his wife Gretchen. They spent eight years traveling in Arkansas and Texas with the band, The Borderline Boogie Blues Band Baby. Finally, ready for their own home, they moved out to the country to raise their family. His music has matured in the roadhouses and bars of Louisiana and Mississippi, establishing a strong fan base through his powerful rapport with each listener.

That’s how it is with Big Daddy “O”’s music. Once you hear him, he gets into your heart. You are going to want more. A bear of a man with an epic, drooping mustache and long ponytail, Tufts is not afraid to show his softer side, regardless of the setting.

COURTESY PHOTO/Big Daddy “O” official web site

Big Daddy “O” performs at the House of Blues.

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28 FALL 2021

VARNADO PERFORMS FRIDAY COURTESY PHOTO

Local musician Dylan Varnado will display his talents on the main stage on Friday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m.

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ELI SEALS BAND READY TO HIT THE MAIN STAGE ON FRIDAY COURTESY PHOTO

The Eli Seals Band will display their musical talents on Friday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage at the Washington Parish Fair.

We hope everyone has a great time at the 108th Washington Parish Free Fair!

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PERFORMERS

A ‘SWAMP POP’ LEGEND Hall of Famer Martinez shows off chops Gregg Martinez will be performing at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 23, on the main stage.

G

regg Martinez is an American rhythm and blues singer and purveyor of the south Louisiana genre called Swamp Pop. He is also referred to as “Mac Daddy” and is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

His vocal style has been inspired and influenced by the soul crooners of the 60s/70s,

including Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Louisiana artists G.G. Shinn, T.K. Hulin, Big Luther Kent and Johnny Adams. He is the leader of and tours regularly with Gregg Martinez and the Delta Kings.

Martinez began singing in public at the age of 8 in his home church in Carencro. He began his professional music career after graduating from Teurlings Catholic High School in Lafayette in 1974, by performing in the local nightlife scene of south Louisiana.

From 1981 through 1984, Martinez was frontman and bandleader of Gregg Martinez and Kingfish. In 1985 he began to tour nationally with a new backing group called the Heat.

Within a few months he landed an exclusive contract with the Donald Trump casinos in Atlantic City, N.J., where he would appear regularly through 1988 and relocated to in 1986.

In 1990 Martinez began a new chapter in his musical journey in the Contemporary Chris-

Welcome to the 109th Washington Parish Free Fair! Have a Great Time!!

Spots available in select grades call & reserve yours today!

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tian Music field. He released three Christian albums from 1991-1997. With the releases of For the Ages and All the Days, 1999, 2001, he began to blend the Christian music with the Rhythm and Blues of his earlier days. He formed Gregg Martinez Outreach in 1998 which most notably consisted of a public school anti-drug program which reached many thousands of students around the country.

By 2006 Martinez had relocated back to his native Louisiana and had also returned to the R&B/Blues/Swamp Pop genre with the release of Big Bad Daddy. At this time he also joined the legendary blue-eyed soul group the Boogie Kings. He wrote the title song for The Boogie Kings’ 2007 release Never Go Away. Martinez’ CD, Soul of the Bayou, was released April 30, 2016 on Louisiana Red Hot Records. It reached #2 on the national soul chart and #4 on the national R&B chart. It was also voted #8 of the top 50 albums in Louisiana 2016

by Offbeat Magazine. Martinez has been nominated five times for Best Male Vocalist by Offbeat’s Best of the Beat Awards.

On Feb. 9, 2019, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

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34 FALL 2021

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Rodeo fun returns again this year

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T

he Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) Rodeo presented by the WPFF Rodeo committee and TNT Rodeo Company will return this year.

The rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, and Saturday, Oct. 23.

Admission is $15 for reserved seating, $13 for adults, $10 for 4-12 years old, and free for 3 and under.

The rodeo clown will be Rudy Burns and the rodeo announcer will be Mike Mathis.

For information, contact Lacy Fortenberry, Chairman at 985-5153968; D.D. Foil, Co-Chairman, at 985-515-0936; or Kisha Reeves, Rodeo Queen’s Contest, at 985-789-5756.

On Wednesday, Oct. 20, there will be a rodeo event for Special Needs Children. On Thursday, Oct. 21, there will be ropers and barrel racing — the times were not set as of press time.

Ladies in attendance at the rodeo will have the opportunity to dig around the arena floor for a special hidden/buried item. The lady who finds it will receive a diamond courtesy of Tyler Ross Jewelers of Franklinton. This will be on Friday and Saturday nights and Tyler Ross has generously donated two diamonds. This should be lots of dirty fun.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, there will be “Cowboy Church” at 1 p.m.

Rodeo organizers also plan to give away free tickets through social media platforms.

The 2019 WPFF Rodeo Queens were Miss Queen – Kimberlyn Hughes, Jr Miss – Kinley Starkey, Little Miss – Braxlynn Perdue and Tiny Miss – Kamryn Mulkey.

Welcome to the Washington Parish Free Fair!

Continuing to Give You Quality Eye Care

Randy Bouligny, M.D.

Waldemar Torres, Jennifer Vallelungo, M.D. M.D.

Gary Artigue, O.D.

“Your community team of eye care providers, Eye Surgery Center of Louisiana, has been a mainstay of eye care in Bogalusa for over 25 years and looks forward to serving you and your family now and in the foreseeable future. If you need an annual eye exam or have a medical eye problem, we are here to help. Let us help you preserve your vision.”

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 409 AVENUE F • BOGALUSA, LA 70427 TODAY! 985-735-8137

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 37

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Both Dr. Aduli and Dr. Buttaci will now be available Monday through Friday in our Franklinton location at 711 Boat Ramp Road

Call and Schedule Your Appointment Today!

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38 FALL 2021

Welcome to the Washington Parish Free Fair!

Get Your Fair Gear Here!

Welcome to the 109th Washington Parish Free Fair!

Our staff are pleased to thank and commend the many hard-working volunteers who have been working so hard to make the 109th Washington Parish Free Fair such a successful one!

WASHINGTON PARISH CLERK of COURT

Johnny D. Crain, Jr.

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Election is November 13, 2021

Early Voting for Election October 30 - November 6, 2021 Franklinton Bogalusa 985-839-4663 985-732-7189 WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 39

Are you babysitting in your home for parents to work or go to school, or does someone keep your children for you to work or to go to school?

If so you (or they) may be eligible for payment for the meals that you feed to the children in your care.

HealtHy Start, Inc. presently has openings in the USDA’s Family Day Care Home Program which is not limited to low-income homes. We serve Washington, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes.

Grandparents are welcome!

YOU’LL LOVE THIS ‘DRAMA’ COURTESY PHOTO

Drama Kings will be performing on the main stage on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 5:30 p.m.

Our agency is federally funded and administered through the State Department of Education.

Call Us Today to find out more or to determine if you are eligible!

Contact: Ruth Lumpkin or Eugene Rester, Jr. at

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110 Alabama Avenue • Bogalusa We serve Washington, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free 866-632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339; or 800-845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

40 FALL 2021

MOVED BY THE SPIRIT COURTESY PHOTO

Come see The Canton Spirituals display their musical talents on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m. on the main stage.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA! COURTESY PHOTO

Outgoing Washington Parish Fair Queen Abby Stogner poses for a photo with a young fan, Fallon Tageant.

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PARISH

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BACK TO WEDNESDAY Queen pageant returns to original day

T

he Washington Parish Fair Queen pageant is returning to its original Wednesday night spot at the main stage. The pageant will be Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 8:30 p.m.

The official Queen’s Pageant that fairgoers know and love today originated in 1978 when Tammy Reeves was crowned on Wednesday evening, the opening day of the fair. In 2003, the stage committee, executive board and queen committee moved the pageant to Tuesday evening immediately following the opening ceremonies. Colby Pitzer Jenkins was crowned queen that year and verifies, “Nikki Welsh, the 2002 queen, and I both rode in the fair parade on Wednesday morning that year; Nikki was outgoing queen and I was newly crowned.”

The Tuesday night event became very popular and was considered by many as a nice way to kick off the fair, even though the new queen had to scramble to be ready for the parade held less than 12 hours after the pageant.

Unlike other fairs and festivals in Louisiana that are traditionally held on weekends, the Fair Queen’s “rhinestone sisters” gained from a year of travel and appearances were often unable to attend the event held on a weeknight as many had high school or college classes to attend. Therefore, in 2019 the queen committee sought permission to move the pageant to Saturday. This was intended to enable the

42 FALL 2021

new queen a year to travel and be an ambassador for the fair and host visiting queens on the Saturday who could actually enjoy a day experiencing the uniqueness of the fair and the many activities it has to offer.

The 2018-19 queen Claire Ingram did an outstanding job hosting visiting queens prior to the pageant on Saturday afternoon and became the first queen to reign over two fairs as the transition took place. In 2019, Abby Stogner became the first queen to be crowned on Saturday afternoon as well as the only queen in the pageant’s history to remain queen a second year. Stogner experienced one night and day as fair queen in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled nearly all events for 2020, essentially canceling her year of participating in other events and crowning a 2020-21 queen. The last event Stogner attended officially representing the fair was the Amite Oyster Festival in March of 2020.

Since that time she has been able to attend other events but missed out on high points in 2020 such as the MCCA parade, the Bogalusa Fourth of July parade, fairs and festivals across the state and the traditional Washington Parish Fair parade.

According to fair president Cole Ladner, the 2019 pageant was a trial run for the new format. After much discussion and input from the committees involved, it has been decided that the pageant will return to its original

Wednesday evening time slot and the newly crowned queen will reign throughout the fair week and ride in the parade the next year as the outgoing queen.

The Queen Committee is working on a plan for visiting queens. The annual Queen’s Tea is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Money Hill Clubhouse. All Washington Parish ladies between the ages of 17 and 22 are invited to attend.

Meanwhile, the executive board has been impressed with Stogner’s ability to remain a positive ambassador for the fair despite the circumstances of her reign.

“Many changes have taken place since I signed up to compete for the crown of Washington Parish Fair Queen such as a Saturday afternoon pageant and our world being faced with a pandemic,” Stogner said. “These changes and struggles have only made me, the Washington Parish Fair committee, and community grow closer. It has been made evident through these obstacles that family, friends, and community are the heartbeat of Washington Parish.”

Stogner invites everyone to the Fair Queen Pageant on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 20.

This article was written by Toni Tageant, who is a member of the Washington Parish Fair Association.

WASHINGTON PARISH FAIR QUEEN CONTESTANTS

Zoé Crain Pine High School

Meleah Champagne Bowling Green School

Taniya Evans Franklinton High School

Alexis Magee Mt. Hermon High School

Avery Workman Southeastern La. University

Lindsey McGehee Northshore Technical C.C.

Kinlee Burge Varnado High School

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Welcome to the 109th Washington Parish Free Fair!

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Welcome to the 109th Washington Parish Free Fair!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe time this year!

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STORM’S A BREWIN’ ON MAIN STAGE ON SATURDAY COURTESY PHOTO

Category 6 will close out the live entertainment on Saturday, Oct. 23, as they start their performance at 9:30 p.m. on the main stage.

DON’T BE FOOLED! THEFREEFAIR.COM IS OFFICIAL WEBSITE The official website of the Washington Parish Free Fair is www.thefreefair.com.

The official Facebook page is found by searching for “Washington Parish Fair Association.” The official Instagram account is washingtonparishfreefair.

Don’t be fooled by other sites and social media accounts — these are the three to visit for official information.

46 FALL 2021

THE ‘BOYS’ ARE BACK IN TOWN COURTESY PHOTO

The Crowe Boys will be performing on the main stage on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m.

WASHINGTON PARISH ASSESSOR

Jimbo Stevenson

and staff wish you and your family a safe and fun-filled 109th Annual Washington Parish Free Fair.

908 Washington Street Franklinton, LA 70438 Office Hours are Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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LANDING ON STAGE THURSDAY COURTESY PHOTO

Come see Landon Magee display his musical talents on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m. on the main stage.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 47

SOUL REVIVAL SINGS SATURDAY, WISE PERFORMING ON WEDNESDAY COURTESY PHOTO

The Soul Revival will hit the main stage on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Cody Wise will perform Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m.

COME BY TODAY AND SEE WHY EXPERIENCE MATTERS! We can help you find the best equipment, at the best price for all your lawn care needs!

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PARISH

PRIDE

WORKING TO GET IT READY Volunteers helped prepare fairgrounds

D

uring the summer, the Washington Parish Fair committee hosted three days for volunteers to help spruce up the fairgrounds and Mile Branch Settlement.

The response was heartwarming to the executive board and much was accomplished.

The fairgrounds basically sat idle for the past 18 months as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented a 2020 fair. This meant that shrubs and trees became overgrown and in need of trimming as well as weeds, weeds and more weeds. A weather event in March caused a good deal of damage to the Mile Branch Settlement, and its grounds were also in need of attention. Thanks to some dedicated volunteers, much of this was taken care of.

The executive board especially thanks the committee of men from First Baptist Church, Hillcrest Baptist Church, Franklinton High School’s Beta Club and freshman Demon football team, as well as the Mile Branch committee and the volunteers who simply showed up with a desire to help.

President Cole Ladner stated, “The executive board and committee chairs are all humbled by the response to our call for help. Thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy to this. It was hot, but nobody complained.”

More photos from the work days are available on Facebook at Washington Parish Fair Association, and Instagram at washingtonparishfreefair.

COURTESY PHOTO/Karen Fontenot

More photos are also on the next two pages.

Penny Jones, Fair Secretary Kaye Ladner and Joey Miller help at one of the work days.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 49

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COURTESY PHOTO/Stephanni Cassidy

Franklinton High School Beta Club members Savannah Reed, Emerald Jones and E.J. Pelayo pose in front of the original Mt. Hermon School.

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country Seal

Welcomes You to the Washington Parish Free Fair!

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal

Look for us at the fair if you need us.

1002 Main Street Franklinton, LA 70438 985-839-3434 50 FALL 2021

COURTESY PHOTO/Karen Fontenot

Franklinton High School Beta Club members Marley Smith, Emma Cook and Mattie Smith; Mile Branch volunteer Maude Morris; and FHS student Aidan Rush.

COURTESY PHOTO/Terryl Hicks

Longtime fair volunteer Mike Gill works with his son, Kory.

COURTESY PHOTO/Chris Bautista

Members of the FHS ninth-grade football team help out.

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PARISH

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GETTING THEIR GOAT

Locals sell milk from a unique source Story by Chris Kinkaid • Photos by Chris Kinkaid and courtesy of Nathan Miller

F

ranklinton residents, husband and wife Nathan and Erin Miller own Circle M. Farms, where they produce dairy products for plenty of restaurants.

Nathan Miller said they have the largest goat dairy farm in the state.

“About seven or eight years ago, my wife and I were kind of chit chatting about raising a couple of goats after we had kids,” Nathan Miller said. “We wanted to do something on our homestead. We had cattle, chickens and stuff like that, but we wanted to do our own thing. We didn’t expect it to take off, but I’m a functioning workaholic. I’ve got a background in cuisine and food. I’ve got a love for producing my own stuff like cake, cheese or steak without having a culinary background.”

The way they get the milk for the dairy products is by milking goats.

“We started off with four goats, sampled our products out, got grade ‘A’ licensing and now we’re milking about 75 goats,” Miller said. “We’ll be close to 100 by next year.”

Miller said they have about 150 goats on their property.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 53

Nathan Miller said that his farm has more than 150 goats on the property, and about half of those are regularly milked. He estimates that it is The goats are milked twice a day and they get about 30 gallons of milk per day. The 30 gallons was from earlier in the summer from 54 FALL 2021

milking 77 goats.

The pasteurization process takes a couple of hours, which is for the milk to be drinkable.

The cheese takes three or four days.

The milk products they produce are sent off to restaurants in New Orleans and on the

the largest goat dairy farm in the entire state of Louisiana.

Northshore. Most of their products go to New Orleans.

They wholesale it to St. James Cheese

Company in New Orleans and they are in about 20 different restaurants in New Orleans.

The products go to New Orleans each Friday

and are in restaurants by that afternoon. The products delivered on Friday were started the previous Saturday.

WASHINGTON PARISH LIVING 55

Some of the restaurants include Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Tchfunchte’s in Madisonville and Dakota’s in Mandeville.

Besides pasteurizing and bottling their milk and selling it, they make five different types of cheeses and they make yogurt. They also make cheesecake with their milk. The cheeses are chevre, feta, blue cheese and two kinds of marinated feta.

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The Millers also do some aged cheeses, which take 60 to 90 days.

The Millers also own water buffalo and are planning to start milking them for milk and cheese purposes by next year.

Nathan and Erin have two kids, 5-year-old Austin and 3-year-old Jackson.

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MEMORIES OF THE PAST, READY TO MAKE MORE It’s hard to believe that the last Washington Parish Fair was held almost two years ago. The fairgrounds has endured COVID-19, vandalism and weather, but in just a few days it will be the site for colorful experiences like the ones shown here from the 2019 fair.

Photos by Courtney Schilling

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PARISH

MOMENTS

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PARISH

MOMENTS

SPRUCING THE GROUNDS UP Members of the Washington Parish Youth Coalition (WPYC) helped clean the fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 2. WPYC has a group at each of the junior high and high schools in the parish. The goal of WPYC is to empower youth to make healthy decisions concerning tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs with the support of adults in a safe environment. Be sure to visit their booth outside the Commercial Building during the fair.

Photos by Karen Fontenot

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PARISH

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