DESOTO COUNTY, MS (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Representatives of the Mid-South Fair have reached an agreement with the
DeSoto Civic Center to be the temporary home of the 153rd annual event. The 10-day Fair, to
be held September 25 through October 4, 2009, will continue the tradition of providing both
residents and visitors to the region with midway rides and games, arts and craft
competitions, livestock exhibits, entertainment and food.
Fair officials announced last year that a 150-acre site along U.S. Highway 61 in Tunica
Resorts would become the Mid-South Fair’s permanent home in 2009. Due to the slowing
economy and the new fairgrounds building timeline, Fair officials realized the Tunica site
would not be ready until 2010.
“The DeSoto Civic Center has acted as a great community partner for Tunica and
Mississippi by offering to host the event for one year,” said Cindy Childress, president of the
Mid-South Fair Board. “We are excited to announce the Fair’s move to this temporary site
while our permanent home is under development in Tunica Resorts.”
While officials are planning events for the 2009 Fair, the development of the permanent
fairgrounds in Tunica is continuing at a rapid pace. The first phase is estimated to cost
between $29-31 million and will feature a 9-acre midway, 65,000 square-foot multipurpose
exhibit hall, amphitheatre and areas for the Fair’s livestock events.
“The Fair is in a time of transition with its move to Tunica, trying to configure the Fair at a onetime
location, while continuing to develop the permanent fairgrounds,” said Jim Rout, Mid-
South Fair general manager. “The entire northwest Mississippi area has welcomed us with
open arms, and we look forward to our continued relationship with both local and state
officials.” –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
