The Mississippi State Fair will carry a patriotic “Let Freedom Ring” theme in 2026 to honor veterans and mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson said Friday.
The fair runs Oct. 8-18 and will be headlined by hip-hop artist Flo Rida, fair officials said. The event will feature amusement rides, local eats, rodeo events and other traditional fair attractions, organizers said.
“In celebration of 250 Years of American Freedom, for 2026, our entire Mississippi State Fair will be geared around honoring those who have served in defense of our freedom, our Veterans,” Gipson said in a statement. “Thank you, Veterans!”
Gipson said veterans will be honored at the Biscuit Booth, where free syrup-filled biscuits will be handed out daily. He also announced an America250 Military Parade on the fairgrounds on Oct. 10 as part of the America250 celebrations.
Other attractions listed by organizers include pig races, a petting zoo, the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo, livestock shows, a State Fair Marketplace Expo, an antique car show and equine competitions. New acts planned for the fair include the Flying Fools High Dive, the Royal Legacy Circus, the Fetch & Fish Show and chainsaw carving demonstrations. Organizers said just under half a million people attended the 2025 fair and that the event is one of the largest annual economic and tourism boosts for the city of Jackson.
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
