Mississippi State Fairgrounds-Tuesday afternoon

The 150th annual Mississippi State Fair, one of the South's major fairs, kicks off on Wednesday October 7th at 5 pm.

The Mississippi State Fair in Downtown Jackson-continues for twelve days. (October 7-18)

Over the years, rain has plagued the Mississippi State Fair, affecting events and contributing to low attendance.

Unfortunately, rain will likely affect the Fair's scheduled events and attendance this year as well.

In 2004, 2 to 4 inches of rainfall led a very low turnout during the Fair but a year later in 2005, no rain occurred, which resulted in a 56 percent increase in attendance for the Mississippi State Fair, with over 633, 800.

The weather has actually cooperated during the Fair with little if any rainfall over the last few years and or since 2005.

In 2008, one quarter to over 1 inch rains fell across the Jackson area on Tuesday October 7th, during the Fair, but this had little to no affect on the overall attendance, as most people attend the Fair over the weekend.

The 2008 Mississippi State Fair ranked  29th among the top 50 State Fairs across the country, with an attendance over 608, 800. (Texas State Fair in Dallas, ranked number 1 in 2008 with an attendance over 2 million)

The opening of the Mississippi State Fair at 5 pm on Wednesday- should be dry,  under partly to mostly cloudy skies with mild temperatures in the 70s.

As for the first big night of the Fair on Friday night, it does not appear to be a good night to get out and about as heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible, which will definitely cut into the overall attendance this year.

2009 MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR SCHEDULE & GUIDE