A 13-year-old\u2019s artwork depicting the St. Tammany Parish fair as a classic, nostalgic community tradition captured the attention and hearts of the fair association and earned her the distinction of becoming the youngest ever official fair poster artist.<\/p>\n
Camila Grunkowski, of Slidell, an eighth-grader at Pope John Paul II High School, unveiled her poster Sept. 14 at the St. Tammany Parish Fair office headquarters in Covington during the premiere party for the 2026 fair, which will be held at the fairgrounds Sept. 30-Oct. 4.<\/p>\n
She said her piece is in a \u201cstorybook vintage\u201d style that makes fair animals the focal point, while still reflecting the event’s community spirit.<\/p>\n
“I wanted to show the animals individually, but also (show) that the fair is a time for everyone to come together and have fun,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is such a fun time for kids, and the piece reflects a storybook look for the kids\u2019 side of the fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Camila\u2019s mother, Ana, said the family moved to St. Tammany from Wisconsin, where they regularly attended state fairs. They began attending the St. Tammany Parish fair right away and loved making memories there as a family, she said.<\/p>\n
Camila actually submitted her poster two years ago as part of the student poster contest for the 2024 fair, earning a rare first place overall award.<\/p>\n
In 2025, the St Tammany Parish Fair Association attended the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention, where Camila\u2019s poster competed against student posters from across the state in their respective age divisions. She earned third place \u2014 the first St. Tammany Parish student to ever place at the state level.<\/p>\n
St. Tammany Parish Fair Association Vice President Melissa Dottolo, who served as the poster contest chair, said she fell in love with Camila\u2019s piece when it was a submission in the student contest and recalled it immediately this July when the original 2026 fair poster artist unexpectedly canceled the commission awarded for this year’s fair poster.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first, I panicked, but then realized that I had the perfect poster to represent the fair this year. It\u2019s such a good fit, and I\u2019m so pleased that (Camila) accepted the offer to serve as our poster artist,\u201d Dottolo said.<\/p>\n
Camila said she almost didn\u2019t enter the student contest two years ago, and that experience taught her an important lesson. \u201cYou should do things even when you are nervous or scared,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The 2026 poster will be displayed at the fairgrounds and also featured on T-shirts and other official fair merchandise.<\/p>\n
In addition to the poster unveiling, fair President Matt Willie, along with Dottolo and other fair officers, thanked board members and volunteers who work year-round to coordinate the fair.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are excited to be able to continue the traditions, joy and fellowship that the fair brings our community,\u201d Willie said.<\/p>\n
He named Clerk of Court Jessica Brewster as grand marshal and longtime volunteer Melinda Mizell as the 2026 honoree.<\/p>\n
Brewster praised the volunteer effort that it takes to put on the fair each year and said she cherishes her years of attending. \u201cI can share amazing stories from my youth of coming to the fair, and so much of the beauty of the fair is represented here tonight,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Among those attending the premiere party and poster reveal event were 2025 pageant winners in their last appearance before the 2026 pageant, which was to be held Sept. 19. They are Princess Miss St. Tammany Parish Fair Bry\u2019Anna Jewel Morgan, Miss St. Tammany Parish Fair Madison Elizabeth Hogan and Jr. Miss St. Tammany Parish Fair Maycee Pleasant.<\/p>\n
The St. Tammany Parish Fair began in 1910 with a livestock show and pet exhibition. It now includes 16 pageants, a rodeo and rodeo queen, essay and poster contests, Kids Day, Gospel Night, parade, opening ceremony, cheer and dance competition, livestock competitions, exhibits, entertainment and carnival rides.<\/p>\n
The fair association awards nearly $25,000 annually in donations and scholarships.<\/p>\n