Greater Gulf State Fair opens Friday at Mobile’s fairgrounds

The Greater Gulf State Fair kicks off Friday at the fairgrounds in Mobile, running through Nov. 7 with rides, games, food and live entertainment.

Fair officials say this year’s event will feature more entertainment than last year. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday.

“Obviously we have everything from turkey legs, to funnel cakes, to corn dogs, to fried Oreos on our independent midway that we are really excited to bring back in. But also we have the new coaster that’s never been here before. It’s the bullet roller coaster so that’s going to be something that you’re going to have to see. As of this year in 2021 the largest midway on the Gulf Coast is back,” said Josh Woods, the fair’s executive director.

The fair spans more than a week and includes an expanded midway that organizers describe as the largest on the Gulf Coast.

About the Fair

The Greater Gulf State Fair was started in 1955 by members of the Mobile Junior Chamber of Commerce, now the Mobile Jaycees. It was first held on Blakeley Island and later at Ladd Stadium. In 1975 the fair bought a 90-acre site at Cody Road and Zeigler Boulevard, paid for with money from the annual fair, and it has been held there since.