Published: Jul/Aug 2003

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Fair play
Southern states get ready for fall ritual of fun, food, music & livestock

Whirling, twirling carnival rides are part of the fun available at the Arkansas State Fair. /Arkansas State Fair photo
The state fair. It's blue ribbons for best of show, animal exhibits, food on a stick, twirling rides and music.

It's a Southern fall ritual that's been around in some cases for almost 150 years. Here's a preliminary look at what is being planned for Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi this year. Before making a trip, call or check listed Web sites for updated information.

Arkansas State Fair

The fair in Arkansas is billed as the largest entertainment event in the state. With carnival rides, games, food, free music, major concerts and a rodeo, there's something for everyone at the 64th Annual Arkansas State Fair, Oct. 10–19. It will be held at the state fairgrounds in Little Rock (2600 Howard St.).

There will be four outside entertainment stages, two major concerts in the Barton Coliseum and four performances of the PRCA Rodeo.

Admission to the fairgrounds will be $6 for adults, $4 for children and senior citizens. Parking is $5.

For information, visit www.ArkansasStateFair.com or call (501) 372-8341.

An aerial view of the state fairgrounds (above) in Shreveport, La. /Louisiana Office of Tourism photo.
Louisiana State Fair

The 98th Annual State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 17–Nov. 2, will be in Shreveport (3701 Hudson). A petting zoo with exotic animals, rides, food, music, arts and crafts and livestock shows are some of the attractions for the fair.

While many details were in the planning stage at press time, last year included clowns, a Louisiana cooking show and auto racing.

Admission will be $8 for adults, $5 for children. Parking will be $5. A wristband for $25 will include admission to the fairgrounds and all rides.

For updated information, visit www.statefairoflouisiana.com or call (318) 635-1361.

For more than 140 years, the state fair has been a part of Mississippi's culture. /Mississippi Tourism photo
Mississippi State Fair

Oct. 1–12 are the dates for the 143rd Mississippi State Fair, held in Jackson at the state fairgrounds off Interstate 55.

Nationally known musical acts for this year will include Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers, Rascal Flatts and the Gap Band.

In addition, there will be free musical entertainment, a circus, carnival rides, exhibits, a rodeo, pony rides and livestock exhibits.

Admission is $5. Children younger than 6 are admitted free.
For more information, call (601) 961-4000 or visit www.mdac.state.ms.us.

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