This Sunday, November 15th, The State Fair of Louisiana will close out its 2026 season with a
tribute to the men and women who have answered the call to serve something bigger than
themselves.
This year’s Veterans and Military Appreciation Day Parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. this Sunday
and will travel down the midway giving fairgoers the opportunity to honor and say thank you to
both the veterans and active-duty military members who protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
This year’s parade will feature grand marshal, Sam Archie Mattox. Mattox is 107 years old and
is Louisiana’s oldest living World War II Veteran. He will be honored this year by the Veterans
Celebration Committee.
On this special day at the State Fair, admission is free to military members, veterans, and
qualifying dependents who present the required identification. Accepted identification includes a
military ID, DD214, NBG Form 22, a driver’s license with a military designation, a VA letter with
matching identification, or a valid VA health card. Dependents must present a valid military
dependent ID or USID card. Children under 10 are admitted free with a parent who has a valid
military ID. Parking is free to the State Fair.
Adding to the festivities, gospel music will be featured on Zintex Remodeling Group stage
beginning at 11a.m. with Gospel Mega Fest. At 5 p.m., Word of God Ministries will take the
stage and host “Faith at the Fair,” bringing more great gospel music to Fairgoers.