JACKSON — Veterans and active-duty military members will be eligible for a free brisket biscuit at this year’s Mississippi State Fair, which returns Oct. 8-18 with more than 60 carnival rides, more than 100 food vendors and several new attractions.
The brisket biscuit is a new promotion from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi Beef Council. Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson said veterans and active-duty military members can show a military ID when entering the fair to receive a wristband, which they can then present at the Biscuit Booth on the Midway for the free meal.
The brisket biscuits will be available from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
The Biscuit Booth is a longtime State Fair attraction where department employees make fresh buttermilk biscuits from scratch. More than 100,000 biscuits were made at last year’s fair, according to the department. The booth’s regular biscuits are sponsored by Kroger and Blackburn Syrup.
The Mississippi Beef Council is providing the brisket for the new promotion.
“Mississippi beef producers are proud to honor our veterans by supplying the brisket that goes in the biscuit,” said Andy Berry, executive vice president of the Mississippi Beef Council.
Gipson said military members also will be eligible for discounts at locations throughout the Midway.
This year’s fair will have a red, white and blue theme as part of Mississippi’s participation in nationwide America250 celebrations. Organizers also plan special events and offers honoring veterans.
Several new attractions will join returning favorites. New offerings include the Flying Fools High Dive Show, Royal Legacy Circus, Fetch N Fish and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
Returning attractions include 4-H and FFA livestock shows, the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo, State Fair Marketplace Expo, Tri-State Rodeo, a petting zoo and pig races.
Tickets are on sale for $8 online through Oct. 8, compared with $10 for general admission at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free, and parking is free. All attractions are included with general admission.
A new $20 Patriot Pass provides admission for up to three days. The pass can be scanned once per day, allowing purchasers to attend the fair on three separate days.
The brisket biscuit also will be available to the general public at the Beef Barn during Biscuit Booth hours.
More information about tickets, events and schedules is available at msstatefair.com.
