The tradition continues with the annual Queen City Fair.

    Talent showcases, concerts, performances, exhibits and food are the hallmarks of fun for the annual fair, which is scheduled from Oct. 1-7.

    Now in it’s 11th year of “Family Fun Tradition,” the fun especially extends to the fair’s main focus – the midway carnival rides. Super spectaculars in this year’s line up include: The Zipper, The Himalaya, Giant Wheel, Pharaoh’s Furry, Bumper Cars, The Sizzler and more. The midway also features the newest lineup of rides for younger thrill seekers.

    And in keeping with tradition, the fair continues to get bigger and better, according to Len McRae, fair promoter.

    “We always try to change it up and keep things fresh,” McRae said. “The fair offers fun, plus unique and entertaining shows for the entire family.”

    Among the popular shows is the Robinson’s Racing Pigs, which have entertained fair and festival-goers for more than 25 years. The late Paul and Carlota Robinson started racing pigs in the fall of 1984, and the following year took their show to the Florida State Fair. Before the fair ended, The Robinsons had 12 more fairs booked.

    The racing pigs soon became a staple for other fairs around the country, and have appeared on all major TV networks as well as “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.

    Randy and Sharon Ross have continued the Robinsons’ legacy. Their little piggies race four at a time, as the crowd cheers the porkers on to victory as they finish their race diving into a 24-foot swimming pool call “The Hogwash.” The pigs run for the ultimate prize for a pig: an Oreo cookie.

    Another crowd favorite is Farmer Bob and Johnny the World’s Funniest Tractor. History, humor and fun are in store for fairgoers when they see Farmer Bob and Johnny. The funny farmer and his tractor will have the audience rolling with gags like a water spraying skunk, a big sound system and all the bells, horns, sirens and whistles you can shake a stick at.

    A main attraction which, according to fair organizers, continues to grow in size and popularity is the Little Miss Queen City Fair Pageant. Other popular events include the Petting Zoo, “Queen City Cup,” FIFA Soccer Shootout, Meridian’s Most Talented Competition and Youth Nite concerts.

    Area organizations and groups will showcase throughout the week. Local businesses, non-profit organizations and 4-H are all participants in the weeklong event.

    “We always try to connect with agencies such as the Mississippi Industry for the Blind and East Mississippi State Hospital, and we encourage organizations and groups to participate by setting up booths,” McRae said. “The fair is a great place to launch a new business or to reach members for civic and social groups.”

    Each night has a theme, which adds to the fun. The themes for this year’s fair are:

    • Oct. 1, from 4-10 p.m. – Coca-Cola presents School Day at the Fair. One free ride with a Coca-Cola coupon, plus free gate admission from 4-5 p.m.

    • Oct. 2, from 4-10 p.m. – Facebook Day. Check in at the Queen City Fair and receive $2 off gate admission.

    • Oct. 3, from 4-10 p.m. – Youth Nite at the Fair. Cost: $20, includes gate admission and unlimited rides.

    • Oct. 4, from 4-10 p.m. – WTOK-TV presents “Meridian’s Most Talented”

    • Oct. 5, from 4 p.m. to midnight – Military Day; half-off gate admission with valid military ID

    • Oct. 6, from noon to midnight – Meridian Star Day; $1 rides from noon to 4 p.m.

    • Oct. 7, from noon to 8 p.m. – Comcast Spotlight presents Family Fun Day. Gate admission for two adults and two kids is $20.