Winnsboro Cultural Life

Libraries

The Franklin Parish Library was established in December 1950. Parish residents are served by branch libraries in Winnsboro and Wisner. The book collection of approximately 65,500 volumes is supplemented by an interlibrary loan system with the Louisiana State Library and other area libraries. The facilities offer reading and reference materials including periodicals, films, and audio materials. There are over 5,000 registered library patrons in Franklin Parish. The Winnsboro Library was completed in 1994.

The new library was built on the site of the historic Walters Department Store, on Prairie Street, in downtown Winnsboro. For their efforts, the Franklin Parish Library Board of Control was the recipient of a special 1994 award given by the Louisiana Preservation Alliance. The completed two-story renovation gives the library 14,515 square feet of space.

PARKS

There are 12 parks located in Franklin Parish, including Landis Memorial Park, West Winnsboro Recreational Park, Davis Park, and Civitan Park. The 200 acres contained within these parks offer many recreational activities such as softball, baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, cricket, hiking, and camping

FRANKLIN PARISH MEMORIAL PARK

Located on Highway 15, south in Winnsboro, is the Franklin Parish Memorial Park. The park is dedicated to all veterans who have any connection with Franklin Parish.

The Memorial consists of a six foot brick wall in which three bronze plaques are mounted. One of the plaques lists all Franklin Parish veterans who were killed in action. A second plaque contains the American Legion logo and Post number. Quotations paying tribute to all veterans are placed on the third bronze plaque.

Memorial Walk

Leading up to the Memorial is a walkway on which 6" by 12" bricks are placed. Each brick lists the name of a veteran and his or her rank, branch of service, and era of service.

The Children's Park

The Children's Park is a joint effort by the city of Winnsboro and the community. This project began in 1994 with a donation from the Franklin Parish Winnsboro Jaycees, Winnsboro 4, Renner Irrigation, Young & Young Farms and Councilman Jack Hammons. Over twenty-three thousand four hundred dollars has been spent on this park by donations from the public.

The city of Winnsboro has contributed parking and sidewalks for the physically disadvantaged, a gazebo, lighting, water, and other needs. Add to this a tremendous contribution by way of furnishing labor and equipment for all of these improvements. This adds up to quite an investment for the youth of Franklin Parish.

FRANKLIN PARISH CATFISH FESTIVAL

The Franklin Parish Catfish Festival, held the second Saturday in April, is the largest one-day festival in the state, with an estimated 40,000 attendees celebrating the Franklin Parish Catfish Industry. This annual event features over 300 arts, crafts, and food booths. Entertainment stages run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m and include gospel, country music and blues groups. The festival covers a six square block area. Featured exhibits include an art show and a quilt show.

The Franklin Parish Catfish Festival is a non-profit organization, and all of the work is performed on a volunteer basis. The festival was established to promote the Franklin Parish Catfish Industry.

Lowentritt Pavilion

The Lowentritt Pavilion was built in 1998 as a project of the Lowentritt family, the City of Winnsboro, and the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office. The 30' steel and concrete structure is a memorial to three generations of deceased Lowentritt family members who lived in Winnsboro, starting with Louis Lowentritt, who founded the Lowentritt businesses in 1898, and including Louis Lowentritt, Leo L. Lowentritt, and Louis L. Lowentritt, (and wives). The pavilion is available for public and private use, and is the site of musical events, ceremonies, and other gatherings in tree-shaded Davis Park.

Lowentritt Pavilion