Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals
Essay Writing Contest
2026 THEME: “Every Weekend Tells a Story”
Highlight the diversity of Louisiana fairs and festivals and how each one reflects a different part of the state’s identity and heritage.
From Cajun traditions and small-town fairs to seafood festivals, music celebrations, and Mardi Gras magic — every Louisiana festival tells a unique story of heritage, pride, and community.
Rules and Regulations:
Essay must contain between 500 and 800 words.
Name of the contestant MUST NOT be written on the essay but must be written on a separate sheet and clipped, not stapled, to the essay.
On a separate sheet, contestants should follow this format:
Name, Address, Grade, Phone#,
Parent’s Name, School Name
Fair/Festival Represented
Essay may be handwritten or typed.
Spelling, grammar, phraseology, general interest, continuity, and adherence to the theme will be determining factors for selecting the winner.
Categories are: (A) Grades 6-8, (B) Grades 9-12
Information used from sources should be acknowledged in a bibliography.
Pictures or diagrams can be included within the context of the essay or in an appropriate appendix.
Essays must be turned into the Education Building on Wednesday 1 week prior to the fair between 8 and 9 am.
Criteria for judging are as follows:
• Content (adherence to the theme) 40%
• Grammar (punctuation, capitalization) 25%
• Continuity (introduction, body, conclusion) 20%
• Spelling 15%
Essay prizes (State Level)
1st = $150, 2nd = $100, 3rd = $50