The 118th Louisiana State Fair has a new look this year, with more safety measures in place.
A new carnival company, Tully Amusements of Texas, will operate the fair, which will create a permanent park feel with landscaping and provide a variety of food and game concessions.
Amenities include covered toilets, diaper changing stations, benches, rest areas, mist tents and a guest relations centre.
Tully Amusements plans to bring “The Beast” ride to the 2024 Louisiana State Fair.
Provided by: Tally Amusement
The Tully website describes Carnival Midway as having over 50 amusement park rides and attractions. The rides are listed under four categories: Spectacular, Thrilling, Family and Kids.
Other highlights
Your gate admission ticket also gets you admission to shows, attractions, live music, the Veterans Day Parade, Faith at the Fair, Latino Day and the state’s largest livestock show.
The Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo Finals will be held at the fairgrounds’ Hirsch Memorial Coliseum Nov. 2-3. Tickets must be purchased, which includes admission to the state fair.
Safety Policy 2024
The Louisiana State Fair’s primary goal is to create a safe, friendly atmosphere where families can come together, have fun and make memories.
The State Fair’s updated safety policies and code of conduct rules are as follows:
Approved Bags
All bags are subject to inspection upon arrival and entry. Bags and personal items that do not meet the acceptance criteria must be returned to the vehicle.
Clear Bag Policy
To provide a safe and fun environment for all attendees, the 2024 Louisiana State Fair has implemented a new mandatory clear bag policy: Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags not exceeding 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Permitted clear bags may display a logo no larger than 4.5 x 3.5 inches on one side. One gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar). Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches, with or without handles or straps. Clear waist packs or backpacks no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Permitted clear bags may display a logo no larger than 4.5 x 3.5 inches on one side.
Other Bags
Medically necessary items (after appropriate screening). Diaper bags must be carried with the baby (after appropriate screening). Soft infant/family or meal coolers (after appropriate screening).
safety
Officers from the Shreveport Police Department will also be in attendance, as well as various security companies.
All attendees and their belongings will be subject to search and metal detector screening upon entry to the Louisiana State Fair.
CCTV cameras will be operational 24 hours a day throughout the fair.
No weapons (concealed or open carry) are permitted on fairgrounds property, even if you have a concealed carry permit. The only exceptions are for law enforcement with a certificate of competency.
Visitors walk past a variety of food options at the 117th Louisiana State Fair at the fairgrounds in Shreveport, Louisiana, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.
Jill Pickett | Staff Photographer
Curfew for youth and minors
Beginning at 6:00 PM each day, all minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone over the age of 21 to enter the fair. A parent, guardian or chaperone may not accompany more than six minors.
Organized, ticketed group outings, such as schools, churches, businesses, and other pre-scheduled group visits, are exempt from this policy as these organizations already have established chaperone policies and practices.
Permitted Items and Code of Conduct Policy
A full list of admission policies and what is prohibited from the fair can be found here.
Please see our Code of Conduct Policy here.
parking
Parking is free during the fair.
Dates, times, tickets and discounts
The 2024 fair will run from Oct. 30 through Nov. 17, Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Tuesday, Nov. 5, in celebration of Election Day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“Come cast your vote and then enjoy your day (and night) with rides, games and food,” President and General Manager Rob Bratzel said in a statement.
Discounted tickets will be on presale starting Monday through Oct. 29 and can be purchased online or at participating Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods grocery stores, with presale purchases offering discounts of $5 to $10 per ticket.
State Fair Weekday Discounts
Weekdays: Free admission until 3pm. Opening day, October 30th: $5 admission. Halloween $3 Day, October 31st: $3 admission, $3 rides. Tuesday, November 5th, Election Day: $5 admission. Wednesday, November 6th and 13th: Half-price admission. Thursday, November 7th and 14th: Half-price admission.
For more information, visit the Louisiana State Fair website.