Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair 2025
The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair has been a cornerstone of community engagement since its founding in 1965. Our organization is driven by a dedicated volunteer board that has stewarded this iconic event through decades of growth and challenges. We focus on creating meaningful experiences for families while supporting local youth development through educational initiatives and scholarships. Our fairgrounds serve as a hub for agricultural education, entertainment, and community building, with over $4.7 million donated to local causes since 1985. We maintain strong partnerships with organizations like BREC to ensure sustainable operations and community impact.Our team combines decades of institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives to deliver an exceptional annual event. Through programs like Buster L. Brown Day and youth livestock shows, we prioritize inclusivity and educational value. We maintain rigorous operational standards to ensure safety and quality for all attendees. Our financial transparency and volunteer-driven model demonstrate our commitment to community service. We continuously adapt to modern needs while preserving cherished traditions that have made us a regional institution.
Services
Annual State Fair
Scholarship Programs
Youth Livestock Shows
Special Event Hosting
Community Outreach Programs
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We've donated over $4.7 million to local communities through scholarships and grants
- Our volunteer board includes 40+ years of institutional knowledge
- We host specialized programs like Buster L. Brown Day for special needs individuals
- We maintain a 50-year partnership with BREC for sustainable operations
- Our youth livestock shows support agricultural education in Louisiana
What people say
Exceptional family entertainment
Valuable youth programs
Inclusive special needs events
Strong community impact
Well-organized annual event
Services
Annual State Fair
Our annual fair features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and family attractions. The event supports local businesses and provides educational opportunities through livestock competitions and youth programs. Held each fall at our permanent fairgrounds, it combines traditional carnival elements with Louisiana cultural experiences.
Scholarship Programs
We award $500 scholarships annually to outstanding high school juniors through our foundation. Since 1985, these funds have supported local students' educational pursuits. The program emphasizes volunteerism and academic achievement in East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes.
Youth Livestock Shows
Our livestock competitions provide 4-H and FFA members opportunities to showcase animals and compete for prizes. Participants gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry while learning responsibility and work ethic. The program includes goats, beef, and dairy cattle categories with up to $5,000 in annual prize money.
Special Needs Events
Buster L. Brown Day offers a dedicated experience for individuals with special needs. This invitation-only event provides a sensory-friendly environment with adapted attractions. Our volunteers ensure personalized attention for approximately 1,000 attendees during this special day.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with local organizations to maximize community impact. Through partnerships with BREC and educational institutions, we enhance program offerings and resource allocation. These relationships ensure sustainable growth while maintaining our volunteer-driven operational model.
People
Cliff Barton
Chairman
Serving as chairman since 2010, Cliff leads our volunteer board with 25+ years of fair management experience. He oversees strategic planning and maintains community partnerships while ensuring financial transparency.
Shannon Christian
Vice Chair
As Vice Chair, Shannon coordinates operational logistics and volunteer management. With 15 years of service, she ensures smooth execution of annual events and special programs.
Dr. Laura Gentry
Agriculture Director
Dr. Gentry oversees youth livestock programs and agricultural education initiatives. Her expertise in animal science ensures high-quality educational experiences for student participants.
Tommy Politz
Entertainment Director
Tommy curates nightly entertainment and special performances. He has expanded programming options while maintaining family-friendly content standards since 2005.
Bernie Hahn
Sponsorships Director
Bernie manages corporate partnerships and sponsorship programs. His efforts have increased business collaborations while aligning with our community-focused mission.
Questions
When is the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair held?
The annual event runs from October 23 to November 2 each year at our Airline Highway location.
How can students qualify for scholarships?
High school juniors in East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes can apply through participating schools.
Are there special accommodations for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, we offer Buster L. Brown Day with specialized services and accommodations for special needs visitors.
How does the fair support local agriculture?
Our youth livestock shows provide educational opportunities and award up to $5,000 annually in prize money.
Can businesses participate as vendors?
Yes, we welcome exhibitors and concessionaires. Applications are available on our website.
How is the fair funded?
Proceeds support the Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation, which distributes grants and scholarships annually.
