The State Fair of Louisiana is held in Shreveport on a 157-acre fairground and is the official state fair for Louisiana. It was founded in 1906 by local leaders who wanted to promote the agriculture and industrial growth of the Ark-La-Tex region. The fair has continued every year except in 1918, when it was canceled because of the influenza epidemic. This year, the State Fair opened on October 30th and will run until November 16th, offering fun, food, and entertainment for all ages.
In its early years, the fairgrounds became a place for entertainment and community gatherings. A large grandstand was built in 1912 and hosted concerts, races, and other major events until it was torn down in 1989. The grounds also had a half-mile racetrack that was used from the 1920s until 1979. The last races took place in 1980 before the track was removed.
One popular feature in the 1920s was a large wooden roller coaster, which entertained visitors until a tornado destroyed it in 1940. Later, in 1954, the Hirsch Coliseum was built. This 10,000-seat arena became a central part of the fair, hosting concerts, sports, and other activities. Today, the State Fair of Louisiana continues to celebrate community, history and culture in Shreveport.
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