Jackson Co. Fair Kicks Off This Weekend
Eddie Russell, President of the Fair Association, has been working with the company since 1989 and says he’s stayed so long because of the fair’s uniqueness. Russell says, "This is a one-of-a-kind, a dying breed, this is a fair without a gate. You don’t see that, we don’t charge anybody for anything."
The fair is truly a community event. Rides are provided by a local company, food is brought in from nearby churches, and Jackson County residents run the entire event. After Hurricane Katrina, the Fair Association debated whether or not to bring the event back, but decided the community needed something to rally behind. Russell also says, "People needed a break, they needed something to pick them up a little bit, and they did.”
For those coming out to the fair, it’s not just about spinning on the tilt-a-whirl, it’s about a sense of community in Jackson County. Russell also says, "I’ve been here a long time with my own personal business and I have seen them since I was a teenager, until now, and each year, we lose some and I hate it, ‘cause there again, it’s like my family."
Because the fair is family-oriented, safety is the number one priority. Several law enforcement agencies will be present to deal with the main issue: parking. Doug Adams of the Pascagoula Police Department says, "Keep in mind that if they have it marked ‘no parking,’ they do have the right to tow your car at your expense. So be mindful of the businesses, they’ll be a lot of foot traffic, so please be careful, drive slow, remember the speed limit."
The fair kicks off with lights, music, and food at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Leave a Reply