Neshoba County Fair opens today

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
July 26, 2002
Thousands of area residents will head to Philadelphia today as the Neshoba County Fair opens for a weeklong run, just as it has for more than a century.
The fair is rooted in agricultural fairs and church camp meetings popular in the 19th century. It was originally called the Coldwater Fair and began in 1889.
Two years later, the fair became a private corporation called the Neshoba County Stock and Agricultural Fair Association, and moved to its present site at the Neshoba County Fairgrounds.
Tonight's events include the Harper-Morgan PRCA Rodeo at 8 p.m. and a dance in Founders Square from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with music by the Chill.
During the day, fair goers can enjoy the carnival midway or an antique car show. They can hunt for treasures in the arts and crafts booths or enjoy live music under the pavilion at Founders Square.
One of the fair's annual highlights are two straight days of old-fashioned, political speeches by people seeking or holding local, regional and statewide office. Speeches are set for Wednesday and Thursday.
Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, Secretary of State Eric Clark and Public Service Commissioner Nielsen Cochran are expected to speak Wednesday. U.S. Reps. Chip Pickering and Ronnie Shows will speak Thursday.
Pickering and Shows, who are running for the newly re-drawn 3rd Congressional District, also are expected to participate in a 2:10 p.m. debate Thursday at Founders Square.
The event begins at 11 a.m. at Founders Square.
The winners of this year's talent competition at the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival will perform. Prizes will be given away and a carousel horse in the "Around Town Carousels Abound" public art project will be unveiled.
NESHOBA COUNTY FAIR
Where: Neshoba County
fairgrounds, 7 miles southwest of Philadelphia on Highway 21.
When: Today through Aug. 2.
Admission: $10 day pass, $20 season pass, children under 9 free.