Mississippi State Fair officials say they expect nearly 700,000 people to have strolled the midway during this year’s event when the final attendance count is complete.

Before the fair’s final day Sunday, Billy Orr, executive director of the Mississippi State Fair Commission, said attendance stood about 50,000 short of last year’s record 673,000.

The Band Perry, Boyz II Men, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Keith Sweat all performed free-admission concerts at this year’s fair.

Orr says the only paid concert during the fair, featuring 3 Doors Down, drew 4,000 to 4,500 fans.