Safety will remain one of the top priorities among officials putting on the Mississippi State Fair. After buffing up security measures at the annual event three years ago, Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson is staying the course in establishing a strong law enforcement foothold at the fairgrounds.
This year, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with the following law enforcement agencies and emergency response groups to keep the fair safe:
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety
- Commercial Truck Enforcement Division
- Mississippi Highway Patrol
- Capitol Police Department
- Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
- State Fire Marshal’s Office
- Department of Homeland Security
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
- American Medical Response
- Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau
- Hinds County Sheriff’s Office
- Jackson Police Department
- Pearl Police Department
- SWETMAN Private Security Company.
“The safety and security of fairgoers is our top priority at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” Gipson said. “The annual Mississippi State Fair is one of the largest events held in our state, and we are so thankful for the support and partnerships we have with several local and state law enforcement agencies.”
The 166th Mississippi State Fair will kick off Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Fairgoers can expect all the usual, fan-favorite entertainment, as well as several all-new events and patriotic attractions as Mississippi participates in the Great American State Fair competition.
2025 Mississippi State Fair: What to know before you go
Notable security enforcements that will be in effect include:
- Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until close and all day Friday and Saturday, any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the fairgrounds must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older).
- Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age.
- Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
- When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several security points utilizing a metal detector, and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
- Only clear bags will be allowed on the Fairgrounds during the State Fair and must not exceed 12”x12”x6”.
- Diaper bags, medically necessary bags, and items are allowed after proper inspection and tagging.
- All bags are subject to search.
- No outside food or beverage is 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.
- Jefferson Street will be closed between Pearl Street and Amite Street. Greymont Street will be open for fair traffic only.
Further, to aid in transportation to and from the fair, Mississippi Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons announced that the road construction on Interstate 55 at the Pascagoula Street exit has been completed, so that the exit is now open for passengers.
This year, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with the nonprofit combat veterans organization 5th Squad. The organization was founded in 2018 by four Mississippi Army combat veterans to provide financial assistance for immediate life-sustaining needs to qualifying veterans in a time of crisis.
During the state fair, special signage featuring information about the 5th Squad will be displayed throughout the fairgrounds. Each sign will include a QR code that links directly to the organization’s website, where visitors will have the option to make a donation through a secure online portal.
