Mobile and Ohio Railroad Advertisement, Daily Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 31. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.

Many newspaper advertisers hoped to lure fair visitors to their businesses. These advertisements are representative of many that appeared in the papers of 1911.

Star Laundry Ad, Daily Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 36. MDAH microfilm 20495.

"Fair Attractions," Daily Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 13. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.

The fair received extensive coverage in area newspapers. The Clarion Ledger reported:

Never in the history of this association or of any other for that matter, has such strenuous effort been put forth to make of this exhibition a complete, high class and thoroughly entertaining and educational one. The State of Mississippi has been raked and scraped from one end to the other to find exhibits of worth and to prevail upon the people to take an interest in one of the most important enterprises the state has ever known.

Oh, yes, and then there is that ever present, ever necessary midway of amusements. What would a Fair be without them? The management this season scoured the country in selecting the most entertaining, the newest and cleanest attractions that could be secured. Nothing has been overlooked that would add gayety [sic] and instruction for Fair visitors. In fact, nothing has been left undone to make the Exposition as a whole, something that will cause the people to go away feeling that they have witnessed the greatest show they have ever visited.

Source: “Big State Fair Opens Today,” Daily Clarion Ledger, October 24, 1911, page 5. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.

"Greatest Fair in the History of the State," Jackson Daily News, October 25, 1911. MDAH microfilm number 20938.

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.