Not only is it popular in the Memphis area, but also in the adjacent states of Mississippi and Arkansas, and even nearby Missouri.

Rather, the Fair exists to create a cultural and entertainment experience that exposes the people in our community to items and events they might not otherwise encounter.

In 1911, African American Memphians, not allowed to participate fully in the activities due to the Jim Crow laws and customs of the era, founded the Negro Tri State Fair, which was discontinued in 1959.

The fair then announced that it would move to the casino resort area in Tunica County, at a new site along U.S. Highway 61.

The fair planned to temporarily use the Lander's Center in Southaven as a temporary host; however, due to the cancellation of the Tunica project, this location has been used since 2009.