The temperature hadn’t quite hit its peak at 97 degrees during the late morning hours of Wednesday, Aug. 28, but standing on the asphalt covering the Landers Center’s parking lot, the thermostat might as well have read 100. 

Despite the blistering heat, the organizers of the Mid-South Fair has seen growing attendance since working with the Mid-South Fair Board. The Mid-South Fair opening day is Thursday, Sept. 19, when the weather became more agreeable and the 3,000-space parking lot would be transformed by more than 50 rides, vendors and families taking in the final days of summer. 

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“This is really the perfect place to plan an event this size,” said Russel Kissel of Kissel Entertainment, which is organizing the Mid-South Fair for the first time this year. 

“It’s just one big, empty circle,” he said. 

In the days that followed, Kissel and his crew designed a layout that included space for rides, food stands, vendors and stages for different performances including a high dive show and a motorbike circus. 

“What you want is for every attraction to flow seamlessly into the next, leaving space for everyone to walk in between,” Kissel said. “The only obstacle in a place like this is the occasional light post.”

The Ohio-based company, which organizes fairs across the U.S., has a second base of operations in Alabama, and its operators have worked in recent years to expand more thoroughly into the Southern market. 

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“For anybody that comes and visits the fair this year, they’re going to experience the best one that’s been put on at the Landers Center,” Nick Seibert with Kissel said. 

Since Landers Center management started working with the Mid-South Fair Board, attendance has grown by 500% over the course of seven years, according to DeSoto County Tourism Director Jon Frost. 

“The fair has been a great fit in the event calendar for Landers Center,” Frost said. “The management team’s experience with event production ensures proper planning each year and gives the Mid-South Fair a perfect partner and home.”

Each year, the Mid-South Fair Board employs more than 350 locals to sell tickets, park cars, provide guest services, clear trash and manage the event.

“In addition, the support of county leaders and those in law enforcement really give us a boost when it comes to creating the safe and welcoming environment attendees have come to expect,” Frost said. 

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Ticket prices and times for each day vary. Click here to purchase tickets and see below for dates and times. 

• Thursday, Sept. 19 — 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 20 — 3 p.m. -10 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 21 — 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 22 — 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 23 — 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 24 — 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 25 — 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 26 — 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 27 — 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 28 — 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 29 — 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.