Article About the Fair We're Playing Tomorrow

Readying for the Fair
Organizers setting up for annual event

By David Owens, newseditor@laurelleadercall.com

The sounds of hammers and big rig trucks filled the air Tuesday as organizers began setting up for the 90th edition of the South Mississippi Fair.


Crews rolled into town Monday night to begin preparations for the annual event, held at the South Mississippi Fairgrounds at 1457 Ellisville Blvd.

It won’t be long before the smell of funnel cakes, cotton candy and other goodies meet with shrieks of joy from fairgoers.

W.G. Wade Shows Inc., based in Livonia, Mich., is organizing this year’s event, which begins Friday and runs through October 31.

According to the company Website, this year’s rides will include Bear Affair, Crazy Plane, Dragon Wagon, Kreepy Kastle and about 40 other attractions.

Bill Malchow of M J Concessions in Tampa, Fla., said he’s been working in the amusement business for more than 30 years.

Malchow, who was setting up game booths Tuesday, said he’s worked both sides of the fair — rides and games — and enjoys the game side of the midway.

“The best part of my job is seeing the smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “Games are more fulfilling because of the interaction. With a ride, you’re talking to people long enough for them to sit down. With rides, you’ve got them maybe three minutes, but with games, it could be all night. It depends on how much they want a prize.”

All of the popular carnival games will be on display including the basketball hoop, dart throw and Malchow’s particular game, the softball toss.

Patrick Longwell, who was working with Malchow Tuesday, said that particular game of skill attracts quite a few customers.

“They all want to try their hand at knocking the pin off the table,” he said.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday with a closing time of 11 p.m. Admission is $5 with armbands costing $18.

Events scheduled Friday include the Banana Derby, Grandpa Crachet and the Children’s Barnyard, which will be open in the old wildlife building from 5 to 9 p.m. The night’s featured performer is Natalie Stovall, a country singer from Columbia, Tenn.

For more information on the 90th edition of the South Mississippi Fair, visit www.themagnoliacenter.com or call 601-649-9010.