One of Louisiana’s longest-running community traditions will return this week as the 118th North Central Louisiana District Fair takes place Wednesday, October 14, through Saturday, October 17, at the fairgrounds next to Olla-Standard Elementary School in north Olla.
Established in 1908, the North Central Louisiana District Fair is recognized as the oldest continuously running fair in Louisiana. The annual event has brought generations of families together to celebrate agriculture, community traditions and local accomplishments.
The fair serves five central Louisiana parishes: LaSalle, Grant, Catahoula, Caldwell and Winn.
Carnival Rides and Entertainment
The Mitchell Brothers Carnival Company will provide midway attractions, including carnival rides and concessions throughout the four-day event.
Carnival hours are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, October 14: 5–10 p.m.
Thursday, October 15: 5–10 p.m.
Friday, October 16: 5–10 p.m.
Saturday, October 17: 1–10 p.m.
Wednesday night will feature a special promotion offering rides for $1 per person, per ride.
Carnival armbands will also be available for $30 at the gate.
Celebrating More Than a Century of Tradition
The North Central Louisiana District Fair traces its beginnings to 1908, when community leaders organized the Central Louisiana Free Fair to serve residents of Catahoula, Grant and Caldwell parishes.
Over the years, the event expanded to include LaSalle and Winn parishes, becoming an important regional gathering.
Early fairs featured agricultural displays, livestock competitions, homemade goods, quilts, canned vegetables and handmade crafts. Entertainment included rodeos, mule races, carnival rides and even hot-air balloon exhibitions.
The fair originally operated in the Standard community, just north of Olla, where Olla-Standard Elementary School and the current fairgrounds are located.
Historical accounts describe families traveling for miles by wagon and horseback to attend the festivities, making the fair one of the area’s most anticipated annual events.
Fair Exhibits Return
The 2026 celebration will also mark a return to the fair’s agricultural and community roots, with fair exhibits once again included in the festivities.
Organizers are continuing the tradition of providing an opportunity for area residents to gather and celebrate the history of the five-parish fair.
Community Invited to Attend
Residents throughout central Louisiana are encouraged to attend the 118th North Central Louisiana District Fair and enjoy four days of carnival attractions, concessions and community activities.
The fair will run October 14–17 at the fairgrounds beside Olla-Standard Elementary School in north Olla.
Additional information and carnival specials are available through the North Central Louisiana District Fair’s Facebook page.