Some of the structures surrounding Founder’s Square and the more outlying areas at the Neshoba County Fair are simple in craftsmanship while others are much more elaborate.

    But make no mistake about it, it is the cabin here in Neshoba County that for roughly two weeks is the star of the show.

    Charles Yates sits with his daughter and son-in-law on the front porch of their cabin on the square. Not far away his wife, Jean, talks to friends who are visiting the fair. The cabin in which the Yates family occupies on this day has been rebuilt but the spot in which it stands dates back to when Charles Yates’ father erected the first building.

    “He bought the land in 1935 I believe,” said Charles Yates as he sat by the shaded front door looking out into the bright sunlight. “This cabin was built in 1976 after we finally tore down the old one.”

    All across the grounds that make up the small city that grows exponentially during this time of year, cabins of all shapes and sizes come to life. The colors, motifs and architecture give the casual admirer a little insight into the family that comes to live there annually.

    Some of the cabins are simply cabins while others, some three stories tall, are brightly painted and adorned with flags giving away their college team’s allegiances.

    The old oak trees and tall cabins around the square block what little air is moving. But around the harness racing track, the cabins and their occupants enjoy a nice breeze that surely later that afternoon will bring a shower or two. The flags wave comfortably as if to say, “Come and sit down for a spell.”

    That is exactly what Doug Whitehead and his family and friends are doing.

    Whitehead and his wife sit on their front porch with longtime friends, Larry and Sandra Lawrence. The Lawrences are from Priest River, Idaho and they have grown to love coming to the fair.

    “The weather took a little getting used to,” said Sandra Lawrence. “But it sort of grows on you.”

    Doug Whitehead said the three-story cabin has been in his family for about seven years. He said they stayed in the old cabin one season and decided quickly it was time to build another one. Now they enjoy a sturdy, and maybe more importantly, cool place to meet friends and family.

    “The further you get away from the square the newer the cabins tend to be,” said Whitehead.

    The Whiteheads and Lawrences have traveled extensively together. They have been to Hawaii and Alaska but Sandra Lawrence said the fair is a unique experience she will never forget.

    Back at the square, Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering talks to friends as they line up for a meal in front of the cabin they rent each year. Pickering said for 13 years the cabin, built and owned by Bill Breazeale, has been their meeting place. This version is only three years old.

    “The old cabin had a dirt floor in it,” Pickering said smiling as he shakes hands. “This is where we see friends, family and talk politics.”

     In many cases, the cabin is command central. It is the meeting place for anyone and everyone at the fair. The cabins are the draw because they provide sanctuary from the heat and afternoon rain showers. They are also the places that come alive once a year with the sounds of laughter and the smells of grills in the waning light. No wonder this event has been given the nickname of “Mississippi’s Largest House Party.”