Fair Time Street Closures, Parade Route, Safety Tips & More

Source: Franklinton Police Department

On Wednesday (October 16, 2019), the Washington Parish Free Fair parade will line up parade entries (except for marching bands and dance groups) at the Franklinton High School. (See parade officials for information the morning of the parade)

• At 9:30 AM all streets on the Parade route will be closed and floats will be brought onto Washington Street.
• At 9:00 AM all westbound traffic will be diverted off Hwy. 10 onto Section line Rd. (High School Road), traffic coming onto Washington St. from Woods Rd. will be directed to Section Line Rd.
• The parade will still start at 10:00 AM traveling its traditional route from the intersection of 15th Ave. and Washington St. to Main St. then into the Fairgrounds.
• The Franklinton Police Department, with assistance from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Department and  Rayburn Corrections Center, will be at intersections to monitor traffic and assist with pedestrians. Remember, for public safety purposes, once the route is closed there will be no vehicle traffic allowed on the route. Keep an eye on the little ones, especially around trucks, trailers, and floats that are moving. If there is an emergency on the route, contact an officer and emergency services will be contacted.

Also, 10th Ave. (Junior High) from Howard St. to Bene St. will be one-way only into the Fair Grounds. This is to allow the emergency vehicle's a clear route to and from the Fairgrounds.

There are "No Parking" signs along 10th Ave. and several areas from 11th Ave. to Ellis Cemetery on Bene St.; parking on the grounds of Ellis Cemetery is not allowed. Any vehicle parked in the cemetery grounds will be towed away at the vehicle owner's expense.

The Franklinton Police Department is once again offering wristbands for parents and guardians of small children and special needs individuals. The bands can be used to write your name, your child’s name and phone number. Place the band on your child’s wrist or on an item of clothing that cannot easily be removed. Also, please take a photograph of your child each day you are coming to the Fair in the event your child becomes separated from you, you will have a recent photo to share with Officers. These bands will be available for pick up at the Franklinton Police Department dispatch before the Fair and at the Franklinton Police Department command post during the Fair at no cost. (These bands are for identification purposes only and cannot be used for the Carnival rides)