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Ag Commissioner Gipson Recaps Safe and Successful 2025 Great American Mississippi State Fair Gipson Discusses the Fair’s New Security Protocols for Minors as a Proven Model for Large Events
STATE FAIRGROUNDS, Miss. – The Great American Mississippi State Fair concluded Monday at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and Fairgrounds leadership announced the 2025 State Fair was a success, with just under half a million visitors and no significant security incidents.
“Between October 2-13, just under half a million Mississippians came together to enjoy the 2025 Great American Mississippi State Fair,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This special, and uniquely patriotic event was a celebration of family, freedom and tradition. I want to thank our incredible law enforcement and security team for their diligent work throughout the duration of the State Fair. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of state, county and local law enforcement, as well as private security and the Fairgrounds staff, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds remained clean, welcoming and completely free of any major safety issues.”
Notably, the 2025 Mississippi State Fair marks the first time where adult supervision was required for admission for all minors after 6:00 p.m. every day of the Fair, and all day on weekends. While this new security policy was expected to reduce overall attendance, it also drove a significant increase in families’ attendance. State Fair security officials reported reduced security issues at the State Fair and there were no reported major security incidents.
“Given the tragic and dangerous events Mississippians witnessed at several football events this past weekend, we believe the State Fair security protocol provides a strong, proven model for similar large events across the Magnolia State,” said Commissioner Gipson. “It is plain, common sense that minors need adult supervision, period. And it makes a positive difference, as evidenced that we did not experience any similar acts of violence at the 2025 Mississippi State Fair.”
“While we did have one day, Monday, October 6, that was a washout due to rain, we are glad to report that the State Fair was still well attended with nearly half a million guests. And something our staff noticed, and we are particularly proud of, was the increase in families that visited together. This year, tens of thousands of families came out and enjoyed the state’s largest event in a safe, clean and family-friendly environment,” continued Commissioner Gipson.
In addition, the 166th Mississippi State Fair took part in the nationwide Great American State Fair competition, held in conjunction with the America250 initiative honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. To capture the full spirit and scope of this year’s celebration, the Mississippi Fairgrounds team is producing a documentary for official submission to the America250 Committee – aiming to prove that Mississippi didn’t just host a great fair, but the most patriotic State Fair in the nation.
“From the opening ceremony on that first day, where I was proud to cut the ceremonial ribbon with City of Jackson Mayor John Horhn and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Chief Cyrus Ben, to our grand finale of patriotic festivities on the final day, the Spirit of America was evident throughout the 12 days of the State Fair. We incorporated all-new patriotic competitions and shows, as well as the first-ever Great American Parade at the State Fair, a live performance by the legendary music artist Lee Greenwood and a star-spangled fireworks display to end the fair.”
Another new event was our Disability Friendly Day, which created an inclusive environment for individuals and families impacted by disabilities. This event, sponsored by Joni and Friends, was met with tremendous appreciation and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.
“While we’re still celebrating the success of this year’s State Fair, our incredible team is already hard at work planning the 2026 fair – one that promises even more entertainment, community engagement and patriotic spirit to celebrate 250 years of American Freedom,” said Commissioner Gipson.
“In the meantime, we’re inviting everyone to mark their calendars for the next major event to come to the State Fairgrounds – the Great American Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo,” continued Gipson. “Tickets are now on sale for the rodeo and a star-studded entertainment lineup, including performances by Ole 60, Bayker Blankenship, Joe Nichols, Tanya Tucker, Waylon Wyatt, Muscadine Bloodline and Mark Chesnutt. So, I encourage everyone to get your tickets today!”
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Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson welcomes legendary music artist Lee Greenwood to the stage on the final night of the 2025 Great American Mississippi State Fair. Greenwood’s live performance was followed by a record-setting fireworks show on the State Fairgrounds.
