The Georgia National Fair has become an annual family event in Perry, Ga. The 11 day event first started back in 1990 with an attendance of 270,000. The 30th Anniversary Fair in October 2019 actually set a new record for the event with an attendance of 565,533.
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According to WMAZ, the increase in attendance is due to strong planning, leadership and luck that they had such great weather. Executive director Stephen Shimp also explained that the fair offered an increased number of discount admission days, food offers and 11 free concerts.
The event is the official state sponsored fair administered by the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority. It's easy to see why it's so popular. There are a ton of activities and shows offered across the 11 day event including agricultural, livestock and horse shows, fine arts, youth events, midway rides, live music in Reaves Arena, family entertainment, nightly fireworks and more. There are also over 500 exhibitors.
This footage from WMAZ news shows an aerial view of the fairgrounds.
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The Georgia National Schoolhouse is a really cool aspect of the fair as well. It encourages teachers and students to come out to the fairgrounds and get a first hand look at agriculture outside of the classroom.
They also offer the Fair Bear Creative Writing Competition for fourth, fifth and sixth graders throughout Georgia. The competition has been running for students since 1994 and has turned the "Fair Bear" into the mascot of the event. Students write about an American black bear who lived from about 1980 to 1993 in middle Georgia near the fairgrounds. The top 3 winners from each grade win free passes to the fair and the chance to hear the Grand Prize Winner announced.
Even though the 2019 season has officially wrapped, it's not too early to get ready for next year! Mark your calendars because the fair will be a couple of weeks later next year, from October 8-18, 2020. We have no doubt the event has some exciting new events and activities planned to carry on the family fun.
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