The 119th edition of the Neshoba County Fair gets under way next week for eight big days featuring chart topping musical entertainment, exciting midway rides, horse races and a rodeo along with political speaking including candidates for U. S. Senate and House of Representatives.
The Fair begins Friday, July 25 and will continue through Friday, Aug. 1.
The annual arts and crafts show will include over 100 vendors from throughout the Southeast while the Heart O'Dixie Triathlon is celebrating its 29th year, as both events are set for Saturday, July 26.
The Harper-Morgan and Smith Rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of the Fair.
The midway, featuring Mitchell Bros. and Sons Amusements, will be open daily as will the exhibit hall.
Highlighting musical entertainment on the opening day of the Fair will be Hunter Gibson, Meet the Press and The Cowboy Crush Show.
Saturday of the Fair will also include a mule pull and a martial arts demonstration.
The Thacker Mountain Radio Show will come to the Fair on Saturday as well featuring host Jim Dees, The House Band, The Yalobushwackers, Bryan Ledford, Charlie Mars, Tom Franklin, Blue Mountain and some surprises guests.
Fairgoers will dance to music by Santa Fe Saturday night.
First United Methodist Church will conduct worship services at the Fair on Sunday following by an antique car show and a performance by the 41st Army Band/Mississippi Army National Guard.
First Baptist Church Choir will be perform Sunday evening following by the Night of Truth Christian Rock concert featuring By The Tree.
East Central Community College's Collegians will perform at the Fair on Monday while the annual Miss Neshoba County pageant is on tab that night.
Rainmakers will also perform on Monday night.
The annual Veterans Memorial Service is set for Tuesday at the Fair while the Chuck Wicks Show takes the grandstand stage that night. Snazz will perform dance music at the pavilion on Tuesday night.
Political speaking gets under way on Wednesday of the Fair with U. S. Senatorial candidates Ronnie Musgrove (D) and Roger Wicker (R) taking the podium at the pavilion followed by Shawn O'Hara (I), Erik Fleming (D) and Thad Cochran (R), candidates for U. S. Senate. Other local, district and state politicians will also address Fairgoers.
Wednesday visitors will also be treated to concerts by The Vernon Brothers, The Cross Canadian Ragweed Show and Class Reunion.
The A. J. Yates Jr. Memorial Late Night Sing gets under way at 1 a.m.
Political speaking will resume on Thursday of the Fair with several district and state officials on the agenda including Gov. Haley Barbour and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant.
Joel Gill (D) and Gregg Harper (R), candidates for U. S. House of Representatives, Third District, and Jim Kitchens and Jim Smith, candidates for Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, District 1, Place 3, will also address Fairgoers on Thursday.
The annual Hometown Proud Program is also set for Thursday of the Fair as well as the Billy Currington Show and music by The Barlow Bros. & The Hot Sauce Band and U. S.
The Vernon Brothers will make a second appearance on the last day of the Fair which will also include the Josh Gracin Show and dance music by The Ben Shaw Band.
Harness and running horse races begin daily at 2 p.m. starting on Sunday.
The racing program is a big attraction at the Fair as the program consists of Standard bred harness horses with U.S.T.A. eligibility certificates. Thoroughbred and Quarter horses also have a part in the racing program.
The midway opens daily at 1 p.m. The exhibit hall is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily while the U. S. Post Office, Neshoba County Fair Station, is open from noon until 4 p.m.
The Neshoba County Extension Service conducts a Beef Show on Tuesday, Dairy Show on Thursday, and Sheep Show on the last Friday of the Fair.
First aid will be provided by personnel from Neshoba County General Hospital in a station under the grandstands while an ambulance will be available in case of emergency. Local volunteer fire departments will also provide fire protection throughout the week.
Season tickets are $30 while day tickets are $15. Children 9 and under are admitted free.
For complete Fair schedule go to www.neshobacounty fair.org.
