By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Sept. 23, 2002
Meridian's sole annual fair returns for its sophomore edition Friday when the Queen City Fair opens its gates for a nine-day run at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center.
And organizer Len McRae said it will be bigger and better this time around.
This year, the fair will run for two straight weekends to make sure people have a chance to visit. Plus, he said, the extra weekend will help in case of rain.
The fair will feature exhibits, live entertainment and a carnival midway.
Shows will include Hillbilly Bob, who will demonstrate how he cooks a meal on his car engine, and the Log Hoggers, who perform chain saw carving shows.
New this year will be the Purina Incredible Dog Show, where puppies perform acrobatic routines. And there's a petting zoo, where children can see everything from a pony to a pig.
This year, McRae said, one of the big highlights will an appearance by U.S. Reps. Chip Pickering and Ronnie Shows. Both congressmen are scheduled to speak at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Pickering, the 3rd District Republican, and Shows, the 4th District Democrat, are running for the newly redrawn 3rd congressional district. They were placed in the same district when Mississippi lost one of its five U.S. House seats.
McRae said the political speeches are something he would like to have every year.
Last year's fair made a profit, McRae said, something unusual for a first-time event. Usually, he said, organizers are prepared to break even.
McRae, president of the Mississippi Association of Agriculture Fairs, also oversees several other fairs including the Golden Triangle Fair and the Pinebelt County Fair.
In fact, after the Queen City Fair closes, McRae will head to Hattiesburg for the Pinebelt County Fair at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center. That event is set for Oct. 8 to 13.