This year the Mississippi State Fair celebrates 152 years! This short blog series brings you newspaper headlines and article excerpts from its 52nd edition in 1911.
The Jackson Daily News reported:
Larger and more comprehensive in every way than any of its predecessors, and with every inch of exhibit space crowded to the limits, the State Fair opened its gates this morning and will be in progress for a ten day period…The gates were flung wide at eight o’clock this morning, but the formal opening exercises in front of the old capitol did not take place until the noon hour.
There were no special features, however, that overshadowed the others on opening day. All features were especially good, and the public has manifested its keen appreciation and thorough approval by a liberal attendance throughout the day. In fact, the attendance for opening day will probably surpass the records of former years.
Source: Frederick Sullens, “The State Fair Opens Its Gates,” Jackson Daily News, October 24, 1911, page 5. MDAH microfilm roll 20938.