The Neshoba County fair began Friday morning, with the usual mix of politics, entertainment, food, and socializing set to take place over the following week.
The annual event, which was first staged in 1889, will see the state’s top political leaders speaking, including the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, attorney general, state auditor, secretary of state, state treasurer, and more.
Wednesday, July 27
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann will join fellow Republican Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney in speaking Wednesday morning. That day’s slate also features state representatives Michael T. Evans, I-Preston, and C. Scott Bounds, R-Philadelphia, and state Sen. Jenifer Branning, R-Philadelphia.
One of only two Democrats speaking at the fair will also be on Wednesday. Shuwaski Young is running against incumbent Republican Michael Guest to represent Mississippi’s Third Congressional District in Congress.
Here’s a full schedule of Wednesday’s political speakers:
- 9 a.m. — District Attorney Steven Kilgore, Republican from the Eighth Circuit Court District
- 9:10 a.m. — Judge Joey Kilgore, Chancery Judge for the Sixth Chancery Court District
- 9:20 a.m. — Judge Mark Duncan, Circuit Judge for the Eight Circuit Court District
- 9:30 a.m. — Rep. Michael T. Evans, Independent from Preston
- 9:40 a.m. — Sen. Jenifer Branning, Republican from Philadelphia
- 9:50 a.m. — Rep. C. Scott Bounds, Republican from Philadelphia
- 10 a.m. — Shuwaski Young, Democrat candidate for the Third Congressional District
- 10:10 a.m. — Break
- 10:20 a.m. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, Republican
- 10:30 a.m. — Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Republican
Thursday, July 28
Thursday’s speakers will include most of Mississippi’s statewide elected officials.
Gov. Tate Reeves, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson, Secretary of State Michael Watson, Auditor Shad White, Treasurer David McRae and Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey will all be speaking Thursday. As will Attorney General Lynn Fitch, fresh off her legal victory in overturning Roe v. Wade.
The lone Democrat speaking Thursday will be one of the state’s transportation commissioners, Willie Simmons.
Here’s a full schedule of Thursday’s political speakers:
- 9 a.m. — Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey, Republican from the central district
- 9:10 a.m. — Treasurer David McRae, Republican
- 9:20 a.m. — Auditor Shad White, Republican
- 9:30 a.m. — Secretary of State Michael Watson, Republican
- 9:40 a.m. — Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson, Republican
- 9:50 a.m. — Break
- 10 a.m. — Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Republican
- 10:10 a.m. — Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons, Democrat from the central district
- 10:20 a.m. — Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, Republican from Clinton
- 10:30 a.m. — Gov. Tate Reeves, Republican
Other things to see at the fair
In addition to politics, the fair features a number of agricultural and entertainment attractions.
On the opening Friday and Saturday nights fairgoers will have the chance to see the Harper and Morgan PRCA Rodeo, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Also Saturday will be the “Heart O’ Dixie” Triathlon and the Neshoba County Fair Farmers Market.
Each day features musical performances, including a gospel performance featuring The Griffith Family on Sunday. Multiple worship opportunities will also occur Sunday.
Miss Neshoba County Fair will be crowned Monday night, with the pageant program beginning at 8 p.m.
Tuesday morning there will be a veterans recognition and fallen heroes memorial service at 10:15.
After the political speeches Wednesday, there will be a number of events including a pretty cow contest, along with musical performances.
Thursday is Coastal Mississippi Day at the fair, and will also see the Harness and Running Horse Races, beginning at 2 p.m.
The final day of the fair, the second Friday, will feature a number of musical performances and a fireworks display, weather permitting.
More information on the daily events can be found at the Neshoba County Fair website.
How to get there
The Neshoba County Fair fairgrounds are located on Mississippi 21 South in Philadelphia.
Though many people stay on fairgrounds through the night, fair programing runs until 1 a.m. each night, when the Midway and concessions stands close. On the last night the fair closes at midnight.