Pictured left to right are: Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; Retired Colonel Douglas Magee, U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps; Andy Gipson, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner; and Hayes Patrick, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Deputy Commissioner.
Recently, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and other state and local officials outlined security measures and final preparations for the 167th Mississippi State Fair, set for October 8-18 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson. Officials also announced the entertainment lineup for the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo.
Gipson was joined by representatives from law enforcement agencies and other organizations partnering with the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for fairgoers throughout the 11-day event.
“The safety and security of our fairgoers is our top priority at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “The Mississippi State Fair is one of the largest annual events in our state and providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who attends is a responsibility we take seriously. 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.”
The Mississippi State Fairgrounds works with numerous local, state and federal partners to provide security and emergency services during the fair, including the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and its Commercial Truck Enforcement Division; Mississippi Highway Patrol; Capitol Police Department; Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; State Fire Marshal’s Office; Mississippi Department of Homeland Security; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; American Medical Response; Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau; Hinds County Sheriff’s Office; Jackson Police Department; Pearl Police Department; and Swetman Private Security Company.
“We’ve put together a top-tier entertainment lineup this year, along with all the classic rides and attractions that fairgoers know and love,” Gipson added. “But we’ve also added several new events and attractions that we’re excited to introduce. There will be something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s fair.”
Gipson invites Mississippians and visitors from across the region to attend the 167th Mississippi State Fair, themed “Let Freedom Ring at the Mississippi State Fair!” The fair will celebrate America250 with 11 days of family-friendly entertainment, carnival rides, fair food, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, special events and attractions. The fair will also honor Mississippi veterans and active-duty military members with special events and offers.
Fairgoers can enjoy more than 60 carnival rides and more than 100 food vendors, along with longtime favorites including 4-H and FFA livestock shows, the Taste of Dixie National Rodeo, State Fair Marketplace Expo, Tri-State Rodeo, petting zoo, pig races and the famous Biscuit Booth. New attractions and entertainment this year include the Flying Fools High Dive Show, Royal Legacy Circus, Fetch N Fish and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
Flo Rida to Perform at Mississippi State Fair
The fair’s entertainment lineup includes nationally recognized recording artist Flo Rida, who will perform Thursday, October 15, at the Coliseum. Tickets start at $35 and include general admission to the fair.
Flo Rida is known for hit songs including “Low,” “Right Round,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Good Feeling” and “My House.” Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or www.msstatefair.com.
Veterans to Receive Complimentary Brisket Biscuit
In partnership with the Mississippi Beef Council, the Mississippi State Fair will honor veterans and active-duty military members with a special promotion at the famous Biscuit Booth on the Midway.
Veterans and active-duty military members who present a valid military ID will receive a special armband upon entering the fair. The armband can be presented at the Biscuit Booth to receive a complimentary Brisket Biscuit, courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and the Mississippi Beef Council. Brisket Biscuits will be available during Biscuit Booth hours, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. The Brisket Biscuit also will be available for purchase by the general public at the Beef Barn during Biscuit Booth hours.
The Biscuit Booth is a longtime Mississippi State Fair tradition where MDAC employees make and serve fresh, homemade buttermilk biscuits to fairgoers throughout the event. More than 100,000 biscuits were made and served during last year’s fair. Complimentary biscuits are made possible through the support of State Fair sponsors Kroger, Prairie Farms and Blackburn Syrup.
New Patriot Pass Offers Three Days of Fair Admission
Fairgoers also can take advantage of several ticket specials, including the new Patriot Pass. For $20, the Patriot Pass provides the equivalent of three single-day admission tickets. The pass may be scanned once per day for up to three days, giving pass holders three days of admission for the price of two.
Know Before You Go
The 167th Mississippi State Fair will open Thursday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. Fairgrounds Chief of Security Steve Shows also reminded fairgoers to review important “Know Before You Go” information before arriving at the fairgrounds, including security procedures, prohibited items, parking information and other guidelines designed to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Gate admission is $10 per person, and parking is free. Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase admissions 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.
- 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 years 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.
- 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.
2027 Dixie National Rodeo Entertainment
Officials also announced the entertainment lineup for the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo, one of Mississippi’s premier annual agricultural and entertainment events.
The 2027 Dixie National Lineup includes:
February 12 Braxton Keith
February 13 Zach John King
February 14 Deana Carter
February 17 Blake Whiten
February 18 Chris Janson
February 19 Ole 60
February 20 Emily Ann Roberts
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, October 9, at 10:00 a.m. at www.dixienational.org.
To view the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo artist entertainment lineup visit: https://youtu.be/kXiFll61zew.
To view today’s press conference in its entirety, visit https://youtu.be/IIVftLXe_Tg.
Find the complete schedule of fair events at www.msstatefair.com. For additional information and updates, follow the Mississippi State Fair on Facebook, Instagram, and X.