The Washington Parish Fair means a lot of things to a lot of people. But it’s likely that when absolutely everyone who’s ever attended thinks of the fair, some sort of food will come to mind.

Neophytes have been heard to complain that they are impossibly overwhelmed by the many different choices so readily accessible at the fair. Every booth, one after another, offers something special and tempting to the taste buds. And their savory aromas fill the grounds, allowing no easy escape.

The decision on what to eat, or what to try first, might be a problem for newcomers. But for fair veterans, the only unknown might be how much their stomachs can hold. It’s a good bet that they come to the fair every year with menus already mapped out.

Advertisement

Everybody, it seems, has specific fair favorites. For fair volunteers Brenda and Nolan Simon of Angie it’s Bowling Green School’s “famous” barbecued chicken. When the two were asked if they eat the chicken all the time, Nolan responded, “No. Just once a year.” Then he smiled and took another bite.

“It’s very good,” grinned Brenda. “We know it’s good. We’ll probably eat it again before the fair’s over.”

Meanwhile across the walkway, Iris Kennedy was parked at a picnic table obviously enjoying a cup of white bean and shrimp soup from Schexnayder’s.

“I eat this every year,” she said. “I like it. They used to call it ‘the police special.’”

Just a few feet away, a newcomer had made a decision. Thai Nguyen of New Orleans looked very pleased with his choice. It was a smoked turkey leg.

“I looked cool,” he said. “And it’s awesome.”