The Four States Fair officials recently attempted to change the location of the route of the annual fair parade from downtown Texarkana to the fairgrounds but then changed it back to downtown after an outpouring of support to leave it as it has been for many years. Do you agree?

Some people were very upset about the relocation of the parade route to the fairgrounds, even though all attendees would receive free fair admission for the day. The vendors were also set to open early to help feed folks. The potential for something new was very intriguing for many but the masses complained enough that the fair officials decided to leave the parade route as it has been for decades, in downtown Texarkana.

What are your thoughts? Did you like the idea of something new? Or were you one of the many that wanted things left alone? We'd love to hear your reasoning for why you were for or against the move.

Vote in our poll below, comment on our Facebook page and participate in our What do you think Wednesday show by calling 870-773-9590.

The Four States Fair parade will be held in downtown Texarkana on Saturday, September 10, at 10AM.

Why was the parade was originally set to be moved to the fairgrounds: 

“Moving the parade to the fairgrounds is an exciting change for us," said Lisa Barr, Chief Operating Officer of the Four States Fair. "For 19 fairs, I have assisted my Grandmother in lining up the parade, mailing out letters, notices, organizing volunteers and the worst part is we never see it. Now we feel like we are bringing the parade to the fair," she said. "Participants and spectators alike will be able to enter the fairgrounds at not cost and find a place to set up and watch the parade. Vendors will be set up to serve breakfast. There will be several areas and we will have security and PD that will assist folks in locating spots to watch from. Immediately following the parade the carnival rides will open on the midway. So there won't be any downtime in the fun and we can all have a great day at the fair.” "We are still working on the finer details of the route, but so far we know that the parade will stage in the Main Parking Lot down by the trees (Closest to UofA) it will go up 50th Street (between Bobby Ferguson Park and Fairgrounds) enter into the fairgrounds at the West Gate, and circle around the midway then loop around and end up in the main parking lot. We will know a little more about the route once our entries close on September 2."

What caused fair officials to change their plans to leave the parade downtown:

"The Four States Fair staff is in awe of the response that we have received on the parade," said Lisa Barr, Chief Operating Officer of the Four States Fair. "The event is a large event that we as a staff are responsible for, and our initial idea in moving the event was to better it, not harm it," she said. "There are many things in an event this large that the general public may never see the issues in, however, we hear your voice. We want to support the community that does so much to support us. We met to review the changes and set up and working with the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department and the city officials are working with us to make the move. "The parade committee will be meeting today (August 31) and letters will go out to all of our participants that we will remain downtown. "We appreciate everyone's calls and messages, but mostly the support of the Four States Fair Parade and reserving our downtown tradition," Barr said.

Last year there were more than 100 entries: school floats, bands, cheerleaders, antique cars, Shriners, Miller County Sheriff's Department, fire trucks and many others. If you would like to sign up to be in the parade, online forms are available through the Four States Fair website.