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Mississippi State Fair enforces clear bag rule, boosts security

By Marie Mennefield Sep 30, 2025 | 2:42 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The 166th Mississippi State Fair will be held in Jackson October 2-13, 2025.

The annual event draws crowds from across the state. To help with traffic, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that the Pascagoula exit toward Interstate 55 will be open, along with the temporary reopening of lanes on I-55.

Every day of the fair will be filled with events and activities. Officials said security measures will be in place, which will include a multi-agency approach.

This year, officials said there will be an enforced clear bag policy with the exception of a diaper bag or medical use. All visitors will have to pass through a metal detector.

“Most of it was a repeat from last year, except for the clear bag. That’s a new regulation that we have. Obviously, if you bring a bag that is used for other purposes, like medical or diaper, things like that, it’s just going to be searched, and then you’ll be able to go through the metal detector and carry on like you did last year,” said Hayes Patrick, deputy commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC).

Know Before You Go

  • Gate admission is $10.00 per person, and parking is free. Children ages five and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands online at www.msstatefair.com, or purchase admission and concert tickets in-person at the Coliseum Box Office.
  • Fair admission is free every weekday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., except on Monday, October 13, Columbus Day.
  • Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until close and all day Friday and Saturday, any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age. Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
  • When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several security points utilizing a metal detector, and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
  • Only clear bags will be allowed on the Fairgrounds during the State Fair and must not exceed 12”x12”x6”. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags and items are allowed after proper inspection and tagging. All bags are subject to search.
  • 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.
  • Jefferson Street will be closed between Pearl Street and Amite Street. Greymont Street will be open for Fair traffic only.