Commercial Appeal journalists cover the important moments in Memphis
Commercial Appeal journalists cover the important moments in Memphis and the Mid-South. Support local journalism by subscribing.
- The 169th Mid-South Fair will take place from September 25 to October 5 at the Landers Center.
- Attractions include rides, live music, a petting zoo, and shows previously seen on America’s Got Talent.
- Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance online, with two free admission days offered.
The Mid-South Fair is back once again for its 169th year.
There’s a lot to love about this year’s fair, from country music groups and even a reggae band, to entertainment like a petting zoo and dirt-bike stunt action. And that’s not to mention the cheap tickets.
Here’s eight things you should know about the Mid-South Fair, from how to purchase tickets to event times, some fair trivia and more.
When and where is the fair?
The Mid-South Fair will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5. As has been the case since 2009, the fair will once again be held at the Landers Center.
Fair times run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
How much are tickets and when can I buy them?
Tickets are available for pre-purchase at this link. Adult tickets run for $10, children and seniors for $5. Once the fair begins ticket prices go up to $15 and $10, respectively, at the gate, with a $2 discount if you purchase online. Parking is also $5.
Free admission is available for two days: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 1.
Are there any major differences about the fair this year?
Due to the ongoing construction of the Landers Center’s new convention center, the layout will be different than its usual format, but the same rides and types of entertainment that visitors have come to enjoy for years will still be present at the fair.
What attractions will be at the fair?
Aside from rides, visitors should expect the usual fair fare — the Parakeet Experience, pig races, a petting zoo and pony rides.
Two attractions were also previously seen on America’s Got Talent: Dirtbike stunt show Fearless Flores, and Puppy Pals Live, where adopted dogs show off their tricks and talents.
What live music can I expect at the fair?
Opening night features hour-long sets from country group Runaway June and country singer Ian Munsick at 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., respectively.
Sept. 26 hosts pop duo Isabella & Sebastian, and Mississippi band 2 Drink Minimum.
Sept. 27 will be one of the more unique nights for music at Landers Center, featuring reggae band Chinese Connection Dub Embassy and ’90s country band Neon Mooners.
Latino Day on Sept. 28 breaks up the formula, with seven different bands and individual artists set to perform from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sept. 30 will see Visible Worship Collective performing at 5:30 p.m.
Music returns Oct. 3 with J.R. Moore and country singer Kameron Marlowe at 7 and 8 p.m. each.
DJ Night kicks off at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4, headlined by DJ Epic.
Capping off the fair is 95.7 Hallelujah FM’s Gospel Day at 4 p.m., with Stellar Award winner Javonta Patton headlining.
What other live entertainment will be there?
Football fans have a great reason to show up on Sept. 29, as Monday Night Football will be broadcast live on the biggest screen at the fair.
On Wednesday Oct. 1, a trivia night will be hosted on the main stage — all are welcome to participate.
Oct. 2 is Memphis Wrestling night. Matches begin at 7 p.m.
What contests can my familiy participate in?
For those with a bit of artistic talent, there are two contests to try out for.
Two divisions make up the Youth Talent Contest — one for kids aged 9-12, and another for 13-21. Cash prizes are awarded to four acts in both age groups, and the Senior Division Grand Award winner earns a chance to audition in Hollywood or New York City.
For the student art contest, art instructors are encouraged to submit their students’ work by Sept. 22. The top seven entries receive a small cash prize. Detailed contest instruction scan be found here.
What is the history of the fair?
Easily the oldest event of its kind in the area, the Mid-South Fair is entering its 169th year of entertainment. The Shelby County Agricultural Society founded the Shelby County Fair in 1856, with about 6,000 people or half of Memphis’s population attending. Back then, the fair exhibited “the best in agricultural produce and the latest in machinery and inventions,” according to the fair’s website.
In the mid 1870s the fair was drastically scaled back and attendance suffered due mostly to the yellow fever epidemic. By 1908 it was rebranded to the Tri-State Fair to broaden the areas it served. In 1911, because the fair was segregated, Black Memphians founded the Negro Tri-State Fair, which ran annually until 1959. In 1962, the Mid-South Fair was integrated, and Black attendees were finally able to fully participate in all events.
By 1929 it was renamed to the Mid-South Fair we know today. The year 1936 saw the only contest rodeo ever held at the fair, and its centennial year saw the burial of a time capsule and appearances from Elvis Presley. The year 1991 remains a record year for the fair — a whopping 565,615 people ate corn dogs and rode the rides. In 2009, after 152 years in Memphis, the fair moved to Southaven and the Landers Center, where it has remained ever since.
Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering DeSoto County, as well as Dining in the Memphis area. You can reach him at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.commercialappeal.com ’
