JACKSON — Flo Rida will headline this year’s Mississippi State Fair as state and local officials prepare for the 11-day event, which runs Oct. 8-18 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and representatives from law enforcement and other partner agencies outlined security plans and final preparations Tuesday for the 167th Mississippi State Fair.
“The safety and security of our fairgoers is our top priority at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” Gipson said. “We are grateful for the strong partnerships and dedicated support of the local and state law enforcement agencies that help us keep our fairgrounds safe.”
More than a dozen local, state and federal agencies and private security organizations will provide security and emergency services during the fair, including the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Capitol Police, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Department of Homeland Security, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, Pearl Police Department and American Medical Response.
Fairgrounds Chief of Security Steve Shows reminded fairgoers to review security procedures and prohibited items before arriving.
All guests entering the Midway will pass through security points using metal detectors and/or magnetic wanding, and all bags are subject to search.
Outside food and beverages, fireworks and explosives, laser pointers and unauthorized animals, banners, political or vending materials are prohibited.
The fair will feature more than 60 carnival rides and more than 100 food vendors, along with livestock shows, the Taste of Dixie National Rodeo, State Fair Marketplace Expo, Tri-State Rodeo, a petting zoo, pig races and the Biscuit Booth.
New attractions include the Flying Fools High Dive Show, Royal Legacy Circus, Fetch N Fish and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
Flo Rida will perform Oct. 15 at the Coliseum. Tickets start at $35 and include general admission to the fair.
The fair’s theme this year is “Let Freedom Ring at the Mississippi State Fair!” and will include events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, as well as special events and offers honoring Mississippi veterans and active-duty military members.
Veterans and active-duty military members who present a valid military ID will receive a special armband allowing them to get a complimentary Brisket Biscuit at the Biscuit Booth, courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi Beef Council.
The new Patriot Pass also offers fairgoers three days of admission for $20. The pass can be scanned once per day for up to three days.
Admission is $10, with free parking. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Admission is also free each weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and all day Friday and Saturday, guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old.
Officials also announced the entertainment lineup for the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo, with performances scheduled Feb. 12-20.
The lineup includes Braxton Keith, Zach John King, Deana Carter, Blake Whiten, Chris Janson, Ole 60 and Emily Ann Roberts.
Tickets for the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Oct. 9.
