JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The 165th Mississippi State Fair will open to the public on Thursday, October 3.

Rides underwent safety inspections on Wednesday, and finishing touches are being added to bring the fair to life.

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.

“We have vendors that come over, you know, and they come in, and they stay in our hotels. They eat in our restaurants. They buy our gas, groceries. All of that contributes to the economic impact, not only for the capital city, but all of the state,” said Michael Lasseter, director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

This year, the State Fair Marketplace features 73 vendors and will be open to the public daily inside the Trade Mart.

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has also partnered with several local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure the security and safety of fairgoers.