Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Provides Updates Ahead of the 2024 Mississippi State Fair

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson provided updates on new online ticketing options, new attractions and security measures for the upcoming 165th Mississippi State Fair taking place October 3-14, 2024.

Commissioner Gipson was joined by Michael Lasseter, Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds; Steve Shows, Chief of Security for the Mississippi State Fairgrounds; Commissioner Sean Tindell, Mississippi Department of Public Safety; Chief Bo Luckey, State Capitol Police; Colonel Charles Haynes, Mississippi Highway Patrol; Lt. Colonel James Ivory, Mississippi Highway Patrol; Chief Deputy Latasha Holmes, Hinds County Sheriff's Office; Chief Joseph Wade, Jackson Police Department; Captain Mark Hodges, Jackson Police Department; Colonel Jerry Carter, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; Colonel Keith Davis, Mississippi Law Enforcement Division; along with other state and local law enforcement officials.

 "The Mississippi State Fair began as an agricultural exposition, and agriculture remains the heartbeat of this massive event over 160 years later," said Commissioner Gipson. "I'm proud to oversee this incredible, family-friendly event. With over 100 food vendors, over 60 rides, 73 expo participants, nationally recognized artists and so many great acts and shows in between, there is something for all to enjoy. And for the first time in Mississippi State Fair history, fairgoers can purchase general admission tickets and ride wristbands online ahead of the State Fair."

 The 2024 Mississippi State Fair will open at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, and run through Monday, October 14. Gate admission will be $10.00 per person and parking is free. Children aged 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase advance admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands at www.msstatefair.com. Enjoy free admission every weekday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., except on Monday, October 14, Columbus Day.

"I want to thank our fairgrounds staff," said Michael Lasseter, Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. "It's a lot of work putting this event together and they work tirelessly for months to get everything ready and ensure an outstanding State Fair. This year, our goal was to make things even more convenient and accessible for fairgoers."

The public now has the option to buy admission tickets in advance online or at the gate. Tickets can be  purchased at the gate through one of multiple kiosks or at the ticket booth. Tickets will then be scanned digitally from a smartphone or from a printed receipt next to the point of purchase. Therefore, fairgoers who purchase online tickets in advance can skip the line. Online tickets are available for purchase now through Wednesday, October 2, for a discounted price of $8 per person.

Fairgoers can expect all their favorites, including the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo; State Fair Marketplace Expo and Genuine MS® Store; State Fair Pageant and Talent Show; Farm Bureau Petting Zoo and pig races; 4-H and FFA livestock shows; Zerbini Family Circus; and the beloved Biscuit Booth. In addition to all the usual vendors, shows and rides, the 2024 State Fair will also feature all-new attractions like the Tumbleweed Crossing Wild West reenactment, the family-friendly Agri-Puppets show and the hands-on 4-H and FFA Barnyard exhibition.

Fairgrounds and law enforcement officials also stressed that safety is a top priority for the annual Mississippi State Fair, highlighting the continued partnership between local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as first responders. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Highway Patrol, State Capitol Police, Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, State Fire Marshal's Office, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau, Hinds County Sheriff's Office, Jackson Police Department, Pearl Police Department, American Medical Response and Swetman Security are all working in collaboration with the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

"Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees of the 165th Mississippi State Fair is our top priority," said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. "Law enforcement will work tirelessly to guarantee that everyone feels welcome and confident in their enjoyment of the fair here in our Capital City," said Commissioner Sean Tindell, Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Fairgrounds Chief of Security Steve Shows outlined the following safety measures that will be in effect at the 2024 Mississippi State Fair:

• Beginning at 9:00 p.m., any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by a legal adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age to be admitted after 9:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
• When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several entry security points utilizing a metal detector and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
• All bags are subject to search. The maximum bag size that will be accepted into the Fair is 12"x12"x6".
• 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.
• Pursuant to state law, the legal carry of firearms by all lawful adults is recognized on the Mississippi Fairgrounds.
• Exceptions and challenges to these policies will be satisfied at the discretion of Fair Management.

"Thank you to all our men and women in law enforcement who are partnering with the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to ensure the safety of our visitors so they can relax and enjoy their time at the 2024 State Fair," continued Commissioner Gipson. "I look forward to seeing you all there!"

View https://youtu.be/OOups_xYpr8 to watch the full press conference online. For more information, visit www.msstatefair.com and follow the Mississippi State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X.