The Mississippi State Fair opens today

The 160th Mississippi State Fair opens this evening for 13 days of family-friendly fun, tempting fair food and fabulous entertainment.

The Fair Commission added an extra day to this year’s schedule to allow school children to attend on Columbus Day, Oct. 14, when school is out.

Fair goers will be able to get updates on a free mobile app, and Andy Gipson, fair chairman and Mississippi’s commissioner of agriculture and commerce, is inviting everyone to share their memories on social media.

One of this year’s unique fair venues will be the 8,000 square foot Ice Dome at the Mississippi Coliseum. Skaters can rent a pair of ice skates and glide all day for $10. The event will certainly be a relief from the relentless heat wave.

The 1.2-mile-long midway will feature 85 food and beverage vendors. Come get your favorite fair treat or try something completely different.

If animals are your thing, be sure to come by the livestock area, where more than 1,000 students are getting ready to show off the livestock they’ve raised for prizes.

Inside the Trade Mart, take in the Antique and Classic Car Show or browse the wares from dozens of vendors from bee keepers to crafts to cell phone accessories.

Entertainment kicks off tonight with The Wolftrap Trio at 6 and 7:15 p.m., and Frank Foster at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, enjoy Jerry Brooks and Jack, and the Delta Mountain Boys. The fair hosts musicians throughout its run, too many to list here, and includes a Fiddle Contest Oct. 12.

The gates officially open this evening at 5 p.m. For all the information you’ll need, visit the 2019 Mississippi State Fair website or the Facebook page.