By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

Livestock showing has long been a cornerstone of 4H programming, and Webster Parish proudly carries that tradition forward today. The Webster Parish Fair traces its origins to 1906, when B.F. Griffith—who operated a quarter horse racing track on the grounds—formed the Webster Parish Fair Association to establish an official parish fair. Over the years, the fairgrounds grew into a hub for community life, hosting rodeos, political gatherings, kid’s day events, and the annual Webster Parish Fair. Thank you to the Minden PressHerald for providing historical information.
Today, the fair is held annually during the first week of October and continues to draw residents and visitors alike. While the carnival brings excitement and entertainment, the true highlight remains watching Webster Parish 4H members proudly exhibit their livestock projects, including rabbits, poultry, beef and dairy cattle, swine, lambs, and goats.

Local youth exhibitors have opportunities to participate in:
Webster Parish Fair
The State Fair of Louisiana
The Northwest District Livestock Show
The LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show
To participate in the livestock program, youth must be certified members of either 4H or FFA and must meet the official possession dates for their animals. A possession date is the deadline by which an exhibitor must own or take physical possession of the animal to be eligible for competition. These dates are set by the governing body of each livestock show.
Tentative Possession Dates for the 2026 Webster Parish Fair

(Dates are tentative and subject to change.)

Market Steers: June 10

Lambs: July 10

Goats: July 10

Commercial Heifers: July 10

Dairy Cows: July 10

Breeding Beef: July 10

Rabbits: August 1

Exhibition Poultry: August 1

Swine: August 10

Webster Parish 4H Livestock Club
In addition to participating in livestock shows, Webster Parish 4H offers a Livestock Club for youth interested in learning more about raising and exhibiting animals. The club meets in the evenings throughout the year and focuses on livestock care, showmanship skills, and industry education.
Topics covered so far this year include:
• Proper livestock care while at shows
• The poultry industry
• Animal health
Upcoming sessions will include:
• The beef industry
• A livestock interest day (date to be announced)
Contact 4-H Livestock Agent, John Monzingo at 318-371-1371 or jmonzingo@agcenter.lsu.edu to learn how to get started.