Wet, muddy conditions loom for Neshoba County Fair

Expect the Neshoba County Fair to be wet but cooler than usual, according to The Fair Times meteorologist and Fairgoer Barbie Bassett. 

According to early forecast models Tuesday morning, Bassett, a former television news anchor and meteorologist in Jackson, said there would be the possibility of rain “almost every day” for the first half of the Fair, with an average low of about 92 degrees for the week.

“People who are out porch-visiting will want to take their umbrella and should keep a raincoat and rain boots handy,” said Bassett.

Mississippi’s Giant House Party officially opens on Friday, July 26, and runs through Aug. 2.

Bassett said Fairgoers should note the rain is projected to start as early as tomorrow (Thursday) and is part of a system that will stall over the Fairgrounds for the first half of the Fair.

Last year’s Fair was said to be one of the hottest on record. Most days, the temperatures were in the high 90s, and with humidity, it felt like 115 degrees.

Bassett said the rain could be “heavy” or more typical Fair weather showers. In addition to keeping temperatures down, the rain will help reduce dust but will almost certainly mean a “high chance of mud,” she said.

A full slate of events is set, including the 45th running of the Heart O' Dixie Triathlon on Saturday morning, July 27, and the harness and running races starting the following day through the rest of the week.

Political speaking begins on Wednesday, July 31, starting at about 9:20 a.m. and runs through Thursday.

Dance music starts Friday, July 26, at 9:30 p.m. with Southbound, kicking off a week-long list of performers.

Subsequent acts include:

U.S. The Band, Dillon Morgan Band, Mustache The Band, River Dan, Paxton Peay, and the Jason Miller Band.

Entertainment at the Main Stage kicks off on Tuesday, July 30 with Jon Langston. Langston, a country music singer, is best known for his 2018 song “When It Comes to Loving You,” which peaked at 29 on the U.S. Country chart.

On July 31, country rock band Blackberry Smoke out of Atlanta will take the stage. The band has released numerous albums, with a couple reaching number 1 on the U.S. Country chart. 

On Aug. 1, Dillon Carmichael and Tyler Braden will perform. Carmichael, a country artist, comes from a musical family with one uncle being John Michael Montgomery and another Eddie Montgomery, a member of Montgomery Gentry. He released his debut single “Dancing Away With My Heart,” in 2021. 

Braden, also a country artist, is from Montgomery, Ala., and has released multiple albums. His latest track, “Devil You Know,” has become a viral sensation in 2024. He has toured with stars such as Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, and Chris Stapleton. 

To close out the entertainment, The Frontmen will play on Aug. 2. The Frontmen group is considered a “supergroup” of country music singers and consists of Larry Stewart, Richie McDonald, and Tim Rushlow, former members of Restless Heart, Lonestar and Little Texas. 

They released their first album, “The Frontmen,” earlier in March. 

Fireworks close out the Fair following the entertainment at the Grandstand.

For a detailed schedule of events, visit neshobacountyfair.org.