The 167th Mississippi State Fair opens Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, kicking off 11 days of rides, food, livestock shows, and live entertainment through Sunday, Oct. 18. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring!”
A ceremonial ribbon cutting is set for Thursday at 11 a.m. at Gate 1 of the fairgrounds, hosted by Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson. The ceremony will include law enforcement, 4-H and FFA officers, rodeo queens, Jackson State University presenting the colors, and a Mississippi National Guard flyover — followed by a parade down the Midway in Gipson’s 1968 Chevrolet C-10.
One of the best deals of the fair: admission is free every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 12). It’s an easy, affordable way to preview the fairgrounds, grab lunch from the food vendors, and plan a return trip.
The Mississippi State Fair has been a fall tradition for generations of Mississippi families. Gates open Thursday morning — we’ll have updates throughout the fair’s run.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
