This year’s Washington Parish Fair Parade proudly welcomes Mike McDaniel as its Grand Marshal.

A native son of Franklinton, Mike grew up with the traditions of the fair woven into his childhood. He’s got the blue ribbons to prove it, and plenty of red, white, and green ones too.

Mike is a 2002 graduate of Franklinton High School, where he proudly served as drum major for the Marching Demons his senior year. After graduating in the top of his class, Mike went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Louisiana State University. That was the foundation for his now nearly 20-year successful career in television news across Mississippi and Louisiana. He’s picked more than 40 Associated Press awards along the way and was even named News Person of the Year.

Today, he can be seen on air as the noon anchor and reporter for WWL-TV in New Orleans, where he shares the stories and voices of Southeast Louisiana with viewers each day. His career has taken him into the heart of breaking news, hurricanes, community stories, and moments of celebration across the region, but his roots remain planted in Washington Parish. He comes from a family with deep ties to Franklinton, and he treasures the values of hard work, connection, and community that were instilled in him here at home. His parents, Robert and Connie, and brother, Eric, along with his niece and nephew, Caroline and Wyatt, all live in Franklinton.

Away from the newsroom, Mike has a passion for travel, animals, and cultures while always carrying a piece of Franklinton with him wherever he goes.

As Grand Marshal, Mike says he’s honored to represent his hometown during one of its most cherished traditions. From marching in the parade to now leading it, his journey is a full-circle moment that highlights both personal achievement and community pride.

His favorite part of the Washington Parish Free Fair is a trip through Old McDonald’s Farm.

The Washington Parish Fair Parade celebrates not only the pageantry of the fair but also the people who carry forward the spirit of the parish. This year, that honor belongs to one of Franklinton’s own—Mike McDaniel.