JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Rides and vendors have arrived at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds for the 165th Mississippi State Fair.

The 2024 Mississippi State Fair is scheduled to run Thursday, October 3 through Monday, October 14 in Jackson.

“We’ll have over 100 food vendors, mostly local food vendors. And they’re looking forward to serving you some of the best fair food you’ve ever tasted. And I am going to sample a lot of it myself. So, you’re invited to be a part of that. Don’t forget, we have a lot of also special activities here in the Trade Mart. The State Fair Marketplace is going to be inside the brand new Mississippi Trade Mart,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson (R-Miss.).

Fairgoers will be able to experience the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo; State Fair Marketplace Expo and Genuine MS Store; State Fair Pageant and Talent Show; Farm Bureau Petting Zoo and pig races; 4-H and FFA livestock shows; Zerbini Family Circus; and the Biscuit Booth. In addition to all the usual vendors, shows and rides, the 2024 State Fair will also feature all-new attractions like the Tumbleweed Crossing Wild West reenactment, the family-friendly Agri-Puppets show and the hands-on 4-H and FFA Barnyard exhibition.

The fair is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. State, county and local law enforcement agencies will be on hand to patrol the fair.

“When you come to your state fair, and you’re coming from out of town, we want you to feel safe. You have the full commitment from the Department of Public Safety and all our divisions that they’re going to give everything they can to make sure we ensure the safety of those patrons that come to this fair and want to have a good time,” Gipson said.

Fairgrounds Chief of Security Steve Shows outlined the following safety measures that will be in effect at the 2024 Mississippi State Fair:

• Beginning at 9:00 p.m., any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by a legal adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age to be admitted after 9:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
• When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several entry security points utilizing a metal detector and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
• All bags are subject to search. The maximum bag size that will be accepted into the Fair is 12”x12”x6”.
• No outside food or beverage allowed.
• No marketing, soliciting, political or vending items allowed unless and as authorized under Fairground regulations.
• No animals (other than service animals or as authorized by Fair management for Fair activities), banners, fireworks/explosives or laser pointers allowed.
• Pursuant to state law, the legal carry of firearms by all lawful adults is recognized on the Mississippi Fairgrounds.
• Exceptions and challenges to these policies will be satisfied at the discretion of Fair Management.

For the first time in State Fair history, fairgoers can purchase general admission tickets and fair ride wristbands online. Pre-sale tickets are available now through October 2 online for $8 per person. Online tickets purchased after October 2, as well as tickets purchased at the gates, will be $10 per person.

Children aged 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. Patrons can enjoy free admission every weekday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., except on Monday, October 14, Columbus Day.