Well secured Mississippi State fair draws in a large crowd

Alivia Welch
Managing Editor 

Jackson, Miss. hosted the 163rd State Fair in downtown Jackson from Oct. 6 through Oct. 16. 

Yearly thousands make their way to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to enjoy food, fun, games and educational demos. Spectators from all over the Magnolia state gathered downtown for this annual event. 

Safety issues were a large concern for visitors in the previous years and unfortunate altercations have caused a lesser crowd. However, law enforcement officials made it clear that the public’s safety was their top priority. 

“We are securing the outside perimeter, securing the parking lot and entrance so that no one gets in with any firearms, illegal drugs or weapons,” Erik Monroe, a JPD Officer said.  “We got Hinds County state and capital police on the inside, two man units, motorized units and mounted police.”

Christina Chandler, a Jackson local, said she has not been to the state fair in years and it was her first time since giving birth to her child six years ago. 

“We don’t come very often. My favorite rides are always going to be the spaceship and carrousel,” Chandler said. “My kids enjoy the Ring of Fire, but I refuse to get on that one.” 

Another state fair fan favorite is the famous lemonade.  Vickie Frenchie, an employer at the lemonade stand, said they have been coming for over 9 years and the customers are never left unsatisfied. 

“I really do love what I do, the lemonade is excellent and that’s what makes my customers come back,” Frenchie said. 

The Mississippi State Fair also accommodates attendees who enjoy the Agricultural part of the state. 

The Mississippi Central Beekeepers Association (MCBA) attracted attention from the crowd during an educational demonstration of bee life.  John Thompson, a Mississippi beekeeper, explored the benefits of natural honey and the many things honey can be used for. 

“The bees we keep make honey and any excess we have, we bring it to the fair for our customers to devour,” said Thompson. “The wax candles are popular this time of year and the honey straws, a lot of my customers use the honey straws in their coffee or tea.”

W.K., a local state farmer who raises cows said agriculture keeps consumers fed and helps the economy.  He displayed poultry among the beef and cattle. Signs were placed so spectators can educate themselves about the animals. 

“I actually raise cows on my farm, it puts food on the table and it’s good for the economy,” W.K. said. According to www.mdac.ms.gov/, Fair Commissioner Andy Gipson reports that a recent study concluded the economic impact of the Fair is nearly $50 million annually. In the report, Gipson stated that 519,000 people attended this year, which was near pre-pandemic numbers.