Published: July 25, 2008 12:02 am      

It’s that time of year again

2008 Neshoba County Fair begins today

"Mississippi's giant house party" begins today, and the party won't stop until Aug. 1.

Expect the rides, music, political speaking, and all around good time atmosphere to be in full swing this year at the Neshoba County Fair.

The list of political speakers for July 30 and 31 is long, and includes Gov. Haley Barbour, along with former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, who are vying for the senatorial seat formerly held by Trent Lott.

"The senatorial race is the biggest thing that I hear from people out and about," said Doug Johnson, who is vice president, secretary, and manager of the Neshoba County Fair Association.

Though the senatorial race is causing a lot of buzz in Neshoba County, Johnson said he thinks the most exciting part of the fair is the horse racing, which takes place Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

There are also numerous musical acts, which include Cowboy Crush, Christian group By the Tree, Chuck Wicks, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Billy Currington and Josh Gracin. More musical entertainment will exist in the form of the late night sing, in which fairgoers gather around a piano to sing classic songs, and the many local talents who play spur of the moment tunes at various fair cabins each year.

The best thing about the fair though, Johnson said, is the camaraderie. "Just the fact that they can get together and have their reunions," he said, is what most attracts people to the fair.

Meridian Day will be on Wednesday, and a Meridian Day program will be presented in founder's square, which is the most conspicuous area at the fair.

There will be a few changes at this year's fair. A whole new carnival from Mitchell Bros. and Sons will bring in new rides, and there will be more rides than in previous years.

And if you don't have a cabin at the fair, don't despair. Another 120 new RV camp sites have been added at the fairgrounds, for a total of 502.



For a full schedule, visit www.neshobacountyfair.org.



Friday, July 25:

9:45 p.m. - Cowboy Crush



Saturday:

7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Arts and Crafts flea market

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Neshoba County Fair Farmer's Market

7:30 p.m. - Harper, Morgan and Smith PRCA Rodeo

10 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Dance with music by Santa Fe



Sunday:

10:30 a.m. - Antique car show

2 p.m. - Horse races

7 p.m. - "Night of Truth" Christian rock concert

8 p.m. - By the Tree



Monday:

9:30 a.m. - Clothes Line art contest

2 p.m. - Horse races

8 p.m. - Beauty Pageant, selecting "Miss Neshoba County Fair:

9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Dance with music by Rainmakers



Tuesday - College Day

9 a.m. - Concert by Neshoba Central High School Band

11 a.m. - Veteran's memorial service

2 p.m. - Horse races

9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Dance with music by Snazz



Wednesday - Meridian day

8 a.m. to noon - Neshoba County Fair Farmer's Market

8:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Political speaking

2 p.m. - Horse races

8 p.m. - Cross Canadian Ragweed

9:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Dance with music by Class Reunion

1 a.m. - Late night sing



Thursday

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Political speaking

2 p.m. - Horse races

8 p.m. - Billy Currington

9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Dances with music by The Barlow Brothers, the Hot Sauce Band and U.S.



Friday, Aug. 1:

1:30 p.m. - Horse races

8 p.m. - Josh Gracin, with fireworks to follow (weather permitting)

9:30 p.m.m to 12 p.m. - Dance with music by The Ben Shaw Band