House Resolution 84

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE HISTORY AND IMPACT OF THE NESHOBA COUNTY FAIR AND EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS UPON ITS 118TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR 2007.

WHEREAS, this year, 2007, marks the 118th anniversary of the Neshoba County Fair, whose rich history entails livestock and produce showcases, arts, crafts and handiwork and the air of politicians politicking around the old camp grounds; and

WHEREAS, in 1889, a group of local farmers attended the "Patron's Union" in Lake, Mississippi, where farm produce and animals were shown, which was ultimately arranged into a picnic in the Coldwater community of Neshoba County where they showed farm animals, farm produce and women's handiwork; and

WHEREAS, after two successful picnics, the fair, originally called the "Neshoba County Stock and Agricultural Fair," was organized in 1891 when officers and a board of directors were elected; and

WHEREAS, through the years, many staples of today's fair remain which were part of the early founders' vision of a true county fair and remains a haven for summer gatherings and reunions for families throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the 600 individually owned cabins on the grounds represent dwellings which have family roots dating back to the first fair and have been passed down for generations; and

WHEREAS, the Neshoba County Fair boasts Mississippi's only licensed horse-racing track, where harness and running horse races have been held since 1894; and

WHEREAS, agricultural and home exhibits remain a large part of the fair's pulse, in addition to being lauded today as Mississippi's must-attend political forum for candidates seeking office; and

WHEREAS, each year since 1896 all statewide, district and local officials and candidates have spoken during the annual Neshoba County Fair; and

WHEREAS, designated as a Historical District in 1980 and having the "Neshoba County Fair Association, Inc." and "Mississippi's Giant Houseparty" registered as national trademarks in 1983, the fair has been named as one of the Southeastern Tourism's Top 20 events on numerous occasions and it has been featured in national publications and media productions; and

WHEREAS, as a tourism event, the Neshoba County Fair generates significant resources for the local and state economies and remains the icon for which Philadelphia and Neshoba County are recognized; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend and recognize events which represent a part of Mississippi's proud culture and heritage as the Neshoba County Fair, which has garnered national acclaim and vested the citizens of Neshoba County and the entire State of Mississippi with a great sense of pride:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the history and impact of the Neshoba County Fair, extend congratulations upon the occasion of its 118th year anniversary and express our fondest hope for its continued success in all its future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Board of Directors of the Neshoba County Fair and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.