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The 165th annual Mississippi State Fair is almost in full swing. But before you head to the Jackson Fairgrounds with the family, there are a few things you should know, from ticket prices to attractions.

Andy Gipson, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, said the fair offers a little bit of everything for everyone.

In the seven years Gipson has been commissioner, he has seen the state fair grow, shrink and then grow again. The fair remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Gipson said the event still suffered a setback with fewer people buying tickets.

Last year, Gipson said the fair finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, and he hopes it will grow even more this year. In addition to providing an opportunity to create fun family memories, the fair also supports Jackson and Mississippi farmers.

“They are the future of Mississippi, the hard-working farming families of the state,” Gipson said. “When you come to the state fair, you support agriculture, and our farmers need your support now more than ever.”

The fair takes place from October 3rd to 14th. Admission is free every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. except Columbus Day, October 14th. Tickets after 1 p.m. and all day on weekends are $10 per person.

Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 9:00 p.m. Be sure to bring ID with you if you are just over the age limit or are accompanying someone under 18.

New ticket system, free parking

For the first time, trade fair tickets are available online. Buying tickets online in advance will allow you to skip the lines, or visitors can stop by a kiosk at one of the seven entry points and purchase tickets, which can then be sent to their cell phone.

In previous years, entry was only possible with cash payment. The additional options to purchase in advance or pay with credit card at one of the kiosks simplify access to the trade fair.

Not only can you buy tickets on your cell phone, but you can also travel completely paperless with the new ticket wristbands. In previous years, passengers purchased separate paper tickets for the journey. Now you can purchase a travel wristband in advance that serves as a ticket. The wristbands are separate from the admission tickets and are sold on certain days during the fair.

As for parking, the new system eliminates the long lines of parked cars waiting to enter the fairgrounds. And for the first time, the trade fair is offering free parking spaces on site.

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Live music

Live music at the Coliseum is always a highlight of the State Fair, and well-known stars like Shawn Mendes have graced the Jackson stage in recent years.

Below you will find this year's concert program. Each takes place in the Colosseum:

  • The Oak Ridge Boys: 2 p.m., Saturday, October 5th
  • Matthew West: 2 p.m., Sunday, October 6th
  • Dru Hill, 8 p.m., Friday, October 11th
  • “We celebrate outside, but inside” with LJ Echols, Jake Carter, Breeze Mr.Do2Much, FPJ, Big Yayo, Kandy Janai and Frank Johnson: 7 p.m., Saturday, October 12th

Attractions not to be missed

In addition to classics like the free Midway cookie stand and rodeo shows, there are plenty of activities and attractions you won't want to miss. Several of these are included in the admission tickets.

New additions this year include a farm puppet show, Tumbleweed Crossing Wild West performances and fried marshmallows. Children and adults can also enjoy a new hands-on 4-H and FFA Barnyard exhibit.

More about new arrivals: What's new at the MS State Fair this year? Tip: another unusual fried food

In total, the fair will feature more than 60 rides and 100 food vendors. Gipson recommended coming for lunch during the fair's free entry hours and purchasing a meal from one of the vendors, some of which are on-site.

“If you do nothing else, come here during your lunch break. Admission is free on weekdays,” Gipson said. “You park for free, you get in for free and you can enjoy the fair food. Support these sellers. They invest a lot of time and effort to be here at the trade fair.”

For a complete list of events and activities, visit the Mississippi State Fair website.

“For $10, you get far more than $10 worth of activities, fun and memories when you come to the state fair. If you just looked at the rodeo exhibit, you got more than $10 from it. “Your family,” Gipson said. “This is an event I love because it brings Mississippians from all walks of life together. It’s about our families and creating these family memories together.”

Do you have a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at [email protected]

On By John Fenwick

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