The 2009 Washington Parish Fair T-shirts are virtually flying off the racks at Dunaway’s Custom Screen Printing and T-shirt Shop, and a good many of the ones intended for feminine wear are having a slight layover at the customizing counter so they can get a little “fru fru” added before exiting the building.

For the first time ever, they’re basically black. On top of that, they’re adorned with neon colors and splashes of silver. The eye-catching shirts’ popularity bodes well for the fair.

As people wear them while going about their regular travels throughout Washington Parish and beyond, they inspire admirers to ask about the event and to plan joining in the fun.

2009 Washington Parish Fair T-shirt Advertisement

Designer Frances Dunaway, who owns the shop, has done the fair shirts for most of the past 20 years, she said.

She was tired of the same old thing and believed fairgoers were as well. She also wanted to offer something in keeping with the times, a shirt that would accurately represent the 2009 fair.

“I had to do something different,” said Dunaway. “You can only do so many of the same thing. We’ve done Mile Branch, the stage, farm scenes, the rodeo. Sometimes you need to do something a little different. You’ve got to be in touch with what’s happening. I needed to step outside the box, and this is what’s selling most in the store.”

Her innate creativity and shirt shop experience, reinforced by the advice of her son, Blaine, led her to this year’s design. It includes the word “Fair” written large in neon blue and green, with a purple Ferris wheel and silver splashes in the background. The lettering Washington Parish above, and World’s Largest Free Fair, Franklinton, Louisiana 2009 below, is available in either neon pink or yellow.

Dunaway said that starting with a black T-shirt pretty much doubled her expense. But black is what’s popular right now, and she decided to go with her instincts. The bold step quickly proved worthwhile.

“It’s been the best seller we’ve ever had,” said Dunaway. “Customers come in and say they never bought a white fair shirt before, but they buy a black one. Black is what’s going on.”

The “fru fru” set can even get their shirts adorned with tiny rhinestones and glitter for an additional $5. The basic shirts cost $15 apiece.

Dunaway said she went through a period of insecurity about the non-traditional 2009 design, but she’s recovered. The community response has been overwhelmingly reinforcing, and she appreciates that, she said.

“I put so much into the creative design I want it to be something that everybody loves,” said Dunaway. “I put my whole self into it. I want people to like it.”

The early response has been extremely positive. The shirts are already becoming common sights, and between Oct. 20 and 24 the Washington Parish Fairgrounds could very well resemble a river of black and festive neon.