Neshoba County Fair Chair Race
stump speeches began. Over the years, visiting dignitaries and politicians have included Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, Jimmy Carter and John Glenn. “Generally our attendance is a little higher during election years,” Johnson said, adding that this year should attract both politicians and additional visitors. The Neshoba County Fair continues to be a selfsupporting non-profit organization that operates on funds derived mainly from admissions and concessions.
Unlike anything
This year’s Neshoba County Fair will be July 24-31 on Highway 21 in Philadelphia and will include an arts and crafts show, carnival rides, rodeo, daytime horse racing, nighttime live entertainment and, of course, a beauty pageant. There are several hotels in Philadelphia and the Pearl River Resort casinos and hotels run shuttles every hour to and from the fair (the shuttle schedule is located on fair programs). It’s imperative to book as far in advance as possible due to the 64 DeSoto
popularity of the fair. “We get over 200,000 people to the fair,” said Twyla Lovern, Neshoba County tourism director. “It’s huge.” It’s also good to plan ahead. Because daytime temperatures can be sweltering in Mississippi, Risher takes in most of the fair activities at night. “You don’t do too much in the day because it’s so so hot,” she said. For Risher, there’s a method to her fair madness. She likes to enjoy the late-night music, which includes a headliner Tuesday through Friday nights, followed by late-night music, usually local bands. Friday and Saturday nights the rodeo takes over. “The Square” offers those century-old oak trees so there’s shade for activities such as the Saturday morning arts and craft fair, a nice respite from the heat. Overall, it’s a family event. “I love the Neshoba County Fair,” Risher gushed. “I try not to miss it. My children go to it. It’s a family tradition. It’s still old school — there’s no TV, it’s a time for kids to get out. You make friends. You just