JACKSON — The Mississippi State Fair will open Oct. 2 at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson, bringing 12 days of rides, food, music and agriculture, all wrapped in red, white and blue.
This year’s fair coincides with the launch of America250, a national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson said the fair will highlight both the state’s heritage and its role in America’s story.
“You’ll feel the spirit of freedom and pride from the moment you walk through the gates,” Gipson said. “Whether you’re coming for the thrills, the tastes, the music or the memories, there’s something for everyone at the America250 Fair.”
More than 60 carnival rides and 100 food vendors will be featured, along with the popular Biscuit Booth hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The fair will also showcase daily 4-H and FFA livestock shows, the Pretty Cow Contest on Oct. 10, the Tri-State Rodeo Oct. 4-5, and horse, mule and pony pulls Oct. 10-11.
New this year are themed admission days, including Military Mondays and First Responder Fridays, which will offer free entry to veterans, active-duty military members and first responders with ID. Senior American Day will be held Oct. 8 with a concert by Ronnie McDowell and two patriotic shows, “For God and Country” and “Let Freedom Ring!”
Family-friendly entertainment will include the Zerbini Family Circus, the Farm Bureau Petting Zoo, pig races and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. School bands and community groups will perform daily at Liberty Landing, and younger visitors can enjoy the Kid Zone.
Concerts inside the Mississippi Coliseum will feature All 4 One and Montell Jordan, Corey Asbury, Maddie & Tae and Tayler Holder. Tickets to those shows include admission to the fair.
The final day, Oct. 13, will begin with the first-ever Great American Parade and close with a concert by Lee Greenwood, capped by a fireworks display.
