The Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss at the Neshoba County Fair

So yesterday I mentioned I would be writing more about the Neshoba County Fair and that day is today!

For those who don’t know, the Neshoba County Fair is a fabulous tradition in Mississippi. Known as “Mississippi’s Giant House Party,” it’s the nation’s largest campground fair. It brings together so many people for a week of family, friends, great food, and fun entertainment. We ride rides at the midway, drink a lot of Lindsey’s Lemonade, shop at the flea market, do a LOT of front porch sitting, eat (and then eat some more), pet some cute critters, go to late night crab races, and dance the night away.

I have been going since I was a baby and this year was my 25th fair–I’ve only ever missed two. My family has a cabin, and it’s so fabulous to reunite with our Bourbon Street neighbors that we see every year. There is just nothing like this place in the entire world, and if you ever get the chance to visit you must jump at the chance.

Today I thought it would be fun to share the top 10 things you must experience at the fair. Stephen and I only got to go for the weekend this year so we crammed a lot of these things in about 36 hours. It was a blast nonetheless. I’ve also put together a little highlight video for you to get a taste of this magical place.

Alright now for the Top 10! These are all fabulous things, so I couldn’t actually rank them. I put them in no particular order.

#1 – Go to the midway. Our cabin is directly next to the midway, so we look at it all day long. As a kid we would just die to go ride rides and pick up ducks at our favorite carnival game. As an adult I still need to get a ride on the Ferris Wheel and pray for my safety on something a little more dangerous.

#2 – Visit the Exhibit Hall. Near the center of the fairgrounds, the Exhibit Hall houses fresh fruits and vegetables, canned jellies and jams, and professional and amateur art.

#3 – Embrace the fair food. Calories don’t count at the fair so get the late night funnel cake and chicken on a stick. Snow cones are the key to happiness. Also, at least one Lindsey’s Lemonade a day is required because it’s the best lemonade in the world–don’t even try to fight me on this.

#4 – Enjoy the Entertainment – Whether it’s a local band at Founder’s Square or a country star at the grandstand, be sure to pack your dancing shoes and plan for a night of fun.

#5 – Take a trip to the Petting Barn. Hug a puppy, pet a pig, say hello to a baby goat. Really..cute animals, how can you go wrong?

#6 – Find some goodies at the Flea Market. Saturday morning at the fair, local businesses, merchants, and artists come to sell their wares. You will find the perfect piece of jewelry, adorable t-shirt, or the unique piece of art that completes your home.

#7 – Go to the Miss Neshoba County Fair Pageant. This is one of my favorite fair traditions. I love to go with my mom and sister to watch the competition, check out the “fair wear” and the evening gowns, and see the winner get crowned.

#8 – Go to East Central Day. This is my other favorite tradition. I LOVE East Central day at the fair. Watching the variety program with the Cheerleaders, Centralettes, and Collegiates is my favorite part of the fair.

#9 – Do some serious front porch sitting. There is nothing like sitting on the front porch of the fair with your family and friends. We talk and catch up, play games, and people watch.

#10 – Post up at the race track for some horse racing. A longggg standing tradition, but find a cabin on the race track or a seat at the grand stand for a day at the races.

Have you ever been to a fair? What’s your favorite part??