Jacksonville approves bid for State Fair (UALR Public Radio) - Jacksonville City Council members have voted to propose a 400-plus-acre tract there as the new home for the Arkansas State Fair.

Mayor Gary Fletcher told council members Thursday night he expects the city's offer to be among 15 proposals to lure the State Fair from its existing home on Roosevelt Road in Little Rock.

On Thursday, Carlisle in Lonoke County became the first city to submit a proposal.

The tract in Jacksonville is at the southeast corner of Wooten Road and Interstate 440. Much of the land is owned by Entergy Corp., and Fletcher says the city is currently negotiating to acquire the property.

Fair officials began discussing relocation last year, saying they wanted better interstate access and room for expansion.


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