The Mississippi State Fair, a state that is proud of its traditions, recalls childhood memories of carnival rides that made children scream and adults scream, food that was greasy enough to shock a nutritionist, and live music that got people up and dancing. There are also cows, horses, pigs, and camels. All this on 100 acres in downtown Jackson, now through October 16. Mississippi Today met some of the early birds at the fairgrounds as thousands prepare for their first weekend. This weekend’s performances include the Luckenbach Tribute Band (Jesse Robinson Blues Band), the Harmony & Grits Bluegrass Band, and the Delta Mountain Boys. Saturday’s competition will be held for fiddlers, with a hula-hoop contest following in the afternoon. Sunday’s ‘Freestyle MotoX’ Xtreme Motorcycles will feature some truly amazing acts. Animal lovers can spend the entire weekend getting up close and personal to the exotic creatures in the petting area. For thrill-seekers, however, it’s all the rides. The Ride-A-Thon tonight and next Friday offers endless twists, turns, ups & downs for $25 between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.