On Friday, the 128th Annual Neshoba County Fair will officially kick off at the fairgrounds on Hwy. 21. As always, this year’s fair will feature fun for every age group, from rides provided Mitchell Bros and Sons Amusements on the Midway, to harness and running horse racing and lots of live entertainment.
Headlining the country musical acts this year will be Vickburg’s own William Michael Morgan, legendary family outfit Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Louisiana native Frank Foster and siblings The Brothers Osborne, of Maryland.
Also playing the late-night sets during the week will be Philadelphia’s own Southbound, The U.S. Band, Faze 4, Fade 2 Blue, Class Reunion, The Band and The Jason Miller Band.
Although there are no statewide or national elections this fall, several state and local elected officials will be speaking at Founders Square on July 26 and July 27 including Gov. Phil Bryant, newly appointed Eighth District Circuit Court Judge Mark Duncan, fellow Eighth District Circuit Judge Christopher Collins, newly appointed Eighth District Circuit Court Attorney Steven Kilgore, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and State Attorney General Jim Hood.
Education leaders will also join the speakers this year with East Central Community College President Billy Stewart speaking as well as Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum and University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney Bennett.
County Fair Association President Gilbert Donald said that many families who will be staying in their cabins this month will be hosting several generations.
“One of the board members said that in his cabin this year, he’s going to have six children under six years old. It’s really a family thing. We the board, are committed to keeping the fairgrounds safe where the kids and families can get out and enjoy themselves,” Donald said. “We’ve got all kinds of problems in this world, don’t get me wrong, but we are committed to keeping those grounds safe so people can enjoy themselves.”
The fair will also feature an arts and crafts show, the annual Miss Neshoba County Pageant, a beef cattle show, an antique car show and a flea market.
Donald, who has served on the Fair Association’s Board since 1970 and has been attending the fair nearly his whole life, said the fair, commonly referred to as Mississippi Giant House Party, is one of the state’s annual events that has to be experienced in person.
“I can’t explain it to people. You’ve got to be there to see it in action to be really understand the fair,” he said.
For a complete schedule of events see the ad on Page 1B.
