FAST FACTS:
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
(Southaven, MS 9/25/2009) As local leaders cut the ribbon on 153rd Mid-South Fair, it marked a new era as the annual festival moves to Mississippi.
Fair organizers said it would only be in DeSoto County for one year before it moves to a permanent home in Tunica County.
But WREG News Channel 3 Investigators have uncovered, it may not a one year stop for the fair after all.
From familiar favorites, to a day on the midway, the question for fairgoers now, is the Mid-South Fair in DeSoto County to stay?
Southaven's mayor isn't buying talk of one and done when it comes to the fair and his city.
"I don't think so," said Mayor Greg Davis. "I think a lot of people that come to Southaven for their first event, have a tendency to stay."
In May 2008, Mid-South Fair leaders announced the ten-day event would be leaving Memphis and heading to a new $73 million home along Highway 61, near the Tunica casinos.
But more than a year later, that site is still a beanfield.
The fair's general manager says financing has put the brakes on any work.
"Probably at least $20 to $25 million would have to be found somewhere," explained General Manager Jim Rout. "That would make it possible, and that's very difficult for the state, and we understand that."
Rout estimates the non-profit group would have to come up with at least $2 million a year for the next two decades to cover bonds for the project.
While he describes the Tunica County site as great, Rout admits the fair has to be realistic.
For now, the focus is right here in Southaven.
"If this one goes well, and we need to come back a second year, or beyond, absolutely we would entertain that," admitted Rout.
A decision about where next year's fair will take place is expected early 2010.
The Mid-South fair runs through Sunday, October 4th.
- Mid-South Fair may be staying put in DeSoto County
- Fair was slated to move to Tunica County
- Fair organizers say they're short $20-25 million on phase one of project
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
(Southaven, MS 9/25/2009) As local leaders cut the ribbon on 153rd Mid-South Fair, it marked a new era as the annual festival moves to Mississippi.
Fair organizers said it would only be in DeSoto County for one year before it moves to a permanent home in Tunica County.
But WREG News Channel 3 Investigators have uncovered, it may not a one year stop for the fair after all.
From familiar favorites, to a day on the midway, the question for fairgoers now, is the Mid-South Fair in DeSoto County to stay?
Southaven's mayor isn't buying talk of one and done when it comes to the fair and his city.
"I don't think so," said Mayor Greg Davis. "I think a lot of people that come to Southaven for their first event, have a tendency to stay."
In May 2008, Mid-South Fair leaders announced the ten-day event would be leaving Memphis and heading to a new $73 million home along Highway 61, near the Tunica casinos.
But more than a year later, that site is still a beanfield.
The fair's general manager says financing has put the brakes on any work.
"Probably at least $20 to $25 million would have to be found somewhere," explained General Manager Jim Rout. "That would make it possible, and that's very difficult for the state, and we understand that."
Rout estimates the non-profit group would have to come up with at least $2 million a year for the next two decades to cover bonds for the project.
While he describes the Tunica County site as great, Rout admits the fair has to be realistic.
For now, the focus is right here in Southaven.
"If this one goes well, and we need to come back a second year, or beyond, absolutely we would entertain that," admitted Rout.
A decision about where next year's fair will take place is expected early 2010.
The Mid-South fair runs through Sunday, October 4th.
