The Mid-South Fair is back this fall, and with new opportunities for youth involvement.
The Mid-South Fair is dedicated to providing safe family-oriented entertainment for all on an annual basis. Located at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi, fairgoers will have the chance to enjoy more than 50 rides, and a wide array of ground acts stationed around the property. Food and beverage vendors will be out in full force serving up Fair favorites: funnel cakes, candied apples, turkey legs, corn dogs and a variety of beverages for the whole family.
Since the first fair was held in 1856, the event has strived to educate those living in the Mid-South, and to provide opportunities to grow and showcase their talents by granting scholarships, as well as hosting art contests, competitive youth talent competitions, and more.
The Mid-South Fair has long been an event that nurtures the potential of our youth, offering them valuable educational and growth opportunities," said Todd Mastry, Landers Center's executive director. "Each year, our youth contests grow and grow. Oftentimes, they serve as powerful launchpads for talented kids across the Mid-South. Several years from now, I’m sure we will proudly speak the names of many participants who have wildly successful careers in their chosen fields, just like Justin Timberlake, Michael Bublé, Lucy Hale, and of course, Elvis."
The Mid-South Fair has announced this year’s youth contest opportunities, including Student Art and Youth Talent Contests, SpokesKID Contest, and Miss Mid-South Fair Volunteer Pageant.
While the deadline has passed for the SpokesKID Contest, there are still many ways youth can participate:
Student Art Contest - Showcases captivating creations from talented students, ages five to 18, across our region.
- These young artists' creations will be on display inside Landers Center, September 21 through October 1.
- Cash prizes and prestigious ribbons are awarded to winners.
- Teachers can drop off artwork, beginning September 18, and artists can pick up their pieces on October 2.
Youth Talent Contest (two divisions) - Junior division for nine to 12 year olds, and a senior division for 13 to 21 year olds.
- Junior division competition is slated for September 23-24, and senior division competition is September 24 - October 1.
- Cash prizes are awarded to the top four acts in both age groups.
- Senior division Grand Award winner also earns a private audition in Hollywood or New York City, scholarship of more than $30,000 to Visible Music College, and can provide special entertainment at the 2024 Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest Senior Grand Finals.
- Junior division is made up of the first 200 applicants. Those who wish to participate in the senior division can qualify by winning a sanctioned local preliminary competition, receiving an at-large invitation from a Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest representative, or being one of the top 20 acts from the previous year’s competition. Applicants can submit a video of the performance to the talent committee for consideration in the No-Go Video Preliminary Contest, as well.
2023 Miss Mid-South Fair Volunteer Pageant - Held on September 23, the pageant is a sanctioned preliminary to Miss Tennessee Volunteer.
- A luncheon will kick off the festivities, followed by the interview portion, talent, and evening gown competition in the Landers Center Theater.
- A Miss Mid-South Fair Volunteer Teen will also be crowned.
Tickets are currently on sale for just $5, now through August 31.
To learn more about the Mid-South Fair and how to participate in the art and talent contests, visit midsouthfair.com.