JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The 153rd Mississippi State Fair is practically in the history books.
Sunday was the last day of the 12 day carnival on the midway.
Officials are anticipating a record year.
In 1859 families began the tradition of attending the state fair, since that time hundreds of thousands have traveled each year from the 82 counties to eat unique fair food, enjoy thrilling rides and soak in fun on the fairgrounds.
Sunday was Jacob Davis's last chance for 2012.
"We've done it the past three years, the last day," said Davis.
He drove from Starkville with his five year old son.
"The rain started pretty bad up north and on the way down. It kinda quit when we got to Flowood, so I got kind of excited," said Davis.
This was the third visit for Jessica Garrard and her daughters who are from Clinton.
"I have babies looking at me 'Momma just please one more time. I did good on my spelling test.' She did good on the math grade...They want, want and want, and tickets went up from 75 cents last year to $1.25 this year. Give us some slack. We need it," said Garrard.
And there were some firsts at the 153rd state fair.
Ladan Kelly's young daughter made memories for her parents.
"She just took her first steps, about a few feet apart from me. She was trying to get to me," said Kelly.
This isn't the Jackson family's first outing.
"We actually came last night but she got real sick. So we had to leave. We still had a bunch of tickets, so we had to come back and let them finish the tickets out," added Kelly.
The 2012 fair is on pace to set a record in attendance.
In 2009 rain affected turnout that was over 496,000.
One year later it jumped to over 673,000.
Last year was a record at more than 694,000.
"Last year was a record year and we're running along the same track this year. Saturday was the biggest day we've ever found with over 119,000", said Fair Executive Director Billy Orr.
From October 3rd through Saturday more than 607,500 people enjoyed life on the midway.
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