News and Events
Another Successful Tobacco Free Fair in DeSoto County
January 31, 2026
The 2026 DeSoto County Fair marked another successful year of partnership, education, and community commitment to health. Over the nine days of the fair, the Tobacco Free Partnership of DeSoto County and our SWAT youth hosted a booth inside the exhibit hall, engaging fairgoers in conversations about the tobacco free fair policy, the importance of tobacco free events, and making healthy choices.
Now celebrating its third year operating under a tobacco free policy, the DeSoto County Fair continues to set a powerful example for our rural community. Tobacco free events send a clear message that the health and well-being of families come first. With thousands of attendees each year, including a large youth presence, maintaining a tobacco free environment helps reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor, shifts the social norm around tobacco use, and supports those who have made the decision to quit.
Throughout the week, Partnership members and SWAT youth answered questions, shared prevention resources, and reinforced why tobacco free spaces matter. These conversations are especially important as flavored tobacco products and electronic devices continue to target young people. Creating environments free from tobacco exposure and industry influence is one of the most effective ways we can protect the next generation.
In addition to community education, our local Tobacco Free Partnership continues to assist organizations with smooth policy adoption and implementation. From signage support to community outreach, we work alongside local leaders to make health focused policies practical and sustainable.
We are incredibly grateful to the DeSoto County Fair Association for their continued leadership and commitment to protecting the health of our community. Their willingness to maintain and uphold the tobacco free policy reflects a shared vision for a stronger, healthier DeSoto County.
If your organization or event is interested in adopting a tobacco free policy, please contact Jodie DeLoach or Jen Scharf at info@tfp-desoto.org for more information and support. Together, we can continue creating healthier spaces for everyone in DeSoto County.
