JACKSON — First responders and medical workers will receive free admission to the Mississippi State Fair on Friday, Oct. 16, according to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
The offer covers police officers, first responders, firefighters, health care workers and medical professionals. Friday’s events include a pony pull at 1 p.m. in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center and the Pretty Cow Contest at 7 p.m. in the Judging Arena.
Youth exhibitors and their cows will wear homemade costumes and use themed props in the contest. Judges will select the most creative and patriotic competitors. The Commissioner’s Production Cup will also be awarded to the exhibitor whose dairy cow produces the most milk.
Flo Rida will perform Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Mississippi Coliseum. Tickets cost $25 and include fair admission. They are available at www.msstatefair.com and the Coliseum box office.
Thursday’s rides cost $2 each from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday’s $30 ride wristbands are valid from 8 p.m. until closing.
Gates open at 11 a.m. both days. Admission is free until 1 p.m., then costs $10 per person. Children 5 and younger get in free, and parking is free. Gates close at 9 p.m. Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday.
Both days feature the fair marketplace and Genuine MS Store, chainsaw carving, a petting zoo, high-dive and circus shows, Fetch N Fish, pig races and Taste of Dixie National Rodeo. Thursday includes a 4-H rabbit show and junior market hog show. Friday includes dairy goat, dairy cattle and poultry shows and Jersey and Holstein futurity events.
Guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older from 6 p.m. until closing Thursday and all day Friday. Guests may be asked for proof of age. Visitors entering the Midway will undergo security screening, and bags are subject to search. Outside food and drinks are prohibited.
Jefferson Street will be closed between Pearl and Amite streets. Greymont Street will be open for fair traffic only.
Veterans and active-duty military members who present a valid military ID at the gates can receive an armband for a complimentary brisket biscuit at the Biscuit Booth and discounts from participating Midway vendors. Brisket biscuits are available Monday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Other fairgoers can buy brisket biscuits at the Beef Barn during Biscuit Booth hours.
The fair runs through Oct. 18. The complete schedule is available at www.msstatefair.com.
