The sights of sounds of one of the community’s most popular events returns next month with the Yazoo County Fair’s arrival.
This year’s fair will be held on Oct. 14-22, with admission prices including unlimited rides on all rides.
The second oldest county fair in the state, the Yazoo County Fair has proven to remain an icon of the community with its family-friend atmosphere and affordable fun.
Charline McGraw, with the Yazoo County Fair Association, said the fair’s attendance has increased every year.
“Our attendance has gone up,” she said, with a smile. “We had around 20,000 for the week last year. And I just hope we continue to get support from everybody.”
Favorite rides will return this year with a few new attractions to add to the fun. And with the increased amount of visitors from out of town, the Yazoo County Fair is growing in its popularity every year.
The Yazoo County Fair is operated through the Yazoo County Fair Association, which was incorporated in 1903.
The idea of a fair was the brainchild of the American Legion in an effort to raise funds.
“They wanted to start something, and they thought of a carnival coming in to be a money-making project for the American Legion,” McGraw said.
And since its beginning, the fair and the association have given back to the community through donations.
“We give anywhere from $25,000 to $30,000 in donations that go to local entities around town,” McGraw said. “Very little goes out of our county.”
The fair holds a special place for Yazooans. Children begin saving up money to attend. Exhibitors can their prized recipes, and local children enter a variety of contests.
The sights, sounds and smells of the fair linger within the community as a reminder of family fun and giving back to the community.
“They would close school on Friday afternoon, and we would all go out and ride for ten cents a piece,” Carolyn Shipp recalls.
It’s a tradition that grows every year and holds a special place in Yazoo’s history.
“It just feels homey,” McGraw said. “It’s a great family thing to do, and it’s very special.”
