Tourism director predicts big political crowd

Mississippi's State Tourism Director, Craig Ray, spoke to Neshoba community leaders as part of National Tourism Week. In addition to other draws like the casino resorts, local events, and the Blues Trail, Ray spoke about the Neshoba County Fair. The Neshoba Democrat article about his talk also mentioned that the Heart O'Dixie (which ends on the Fair Grounds each year during the Fair) Triathlon is the second oldest event of its kind in the Country. The oldest triathlon is the Iron Man in Hawaii

Ray said his first visit to the Fair was in 1984 when he was a field representative for the Reagan-Bush campaign.

"My assignment was to go to the Neshoba County Fair and campaign for President Reagan," he said. "That was my first experience to be here in Philadelphia and it was an unbelievable, overwhelming experience for a kid right out of college."

Ray predicted that this summer's Fair would draw higher numbers of visitors with a U. S. Senate and two House of Representative seats on the November general election ballot along with the presidential race.

"I feel like, again, the Neshoba County Fair, will be in a national spotlight and we are looking forward to assisting and helping promote the Fair," he said.

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