Choctaw Fireman’s Fair good fun, great cause

Come extinguish any cravings you may have for good food, live music and carnival fun at the 32nd annual Choctaw Volunteer Fireman’s Fair March 13-15.

The department’s fire chief, Cody Rink, encourages locals to bring the entire family to the event – at 2854 Choctaw Road (just off of La. Highway 20) – which he says has a very “friendly, family atmosphere.”

Along with grazing on the traditional fare – fried catfish, crab cakes, crawfish kickers, burgers, dogs and nachos – festival-goers can spend the three days devouring such plate dishes as seafood gumbo on Friday, beef and pork sauce picante on Saturday and white beans and jambalaya on Sunday. Don’t forget the fresh hog cracklin’!

Prepare yourself for a weekend of laughing and dancing as you listen to musical guests Ross Grisham (6 to 9 p.m.) and Junior and Sumtin’ Sneaky (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) Friday; Pepper Jelly (2 to 5 p.m.), Will Cooper and Southern Groove (5 to 9 p.m.) and Velvet Sky (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) Saturday; and Sunday, Treater (noon to 6 p.m.).

There is no entrance fee for this event and guests who wish to partake in the carnival rides can opt to purchase unlimited ride single day or weekend bracelets.

Don’t miss the Firemen’s Parade

Sunday at 10:30 a.m., starting at the Sixth Ward Middle School and ending

at the fairgrounds.

All money raised at this fun-filled fair goes to the annual operation costs of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department. “Unlike most fire departments across the state and the parish, we don’t receive a millage to support the department,” Rink said. “This is our main fundraiser to purchase and maintain equipment and improve the department.

“It’s a family-oriented affair,” he added. “We really appreciate the community coming out, having fun and supporting their local volunteer fire department.”

The fair hours Friday are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.