From 300-pound show pigs to quilts to just about any carnival ride you can think of, the Georgia National Fair in Perry kind of has it all. Whether you are a thrill seeker or a parent looking for something different to do with the kids, there is a little something for everyone at the Fair that kicks off Thursday and runs from October 3-13.
Now in its 35th year, the Fair has grown to host more than a half million people over the 10 day period in central Georgia. And if you go to the carnival section at the wrong time, prepare to wait in line and you will certainly notice it. The Home Arts and Fine Arts section offers a little respite from the crowds, and some air conditioning, in addition to seeing the genuine talents of Georgians from across the state, celebrating antiques, baking, leathercraft, photography and much more.
The Fair is the biggest event of the year that showcases Georgia’s number one industry, agriculture. Georgia Grown is always a major sponsor of the event, highlighting both some of the products and the work that goes into producing everything from peach cobblers to that cotton t-shirt you are wearing as you read this (the Seed to Shirt exhibit).
The Georgia Grown Baby Barn features days old piglets and calves and part of the suite of agricultural curriculum for Georgia students, designed for ages Kindergarten through 12. Students can potentially see baby animals take their first steps and participate in selecting a name for each newborn. The Georgia Grown building also features an exhibit from the huge timber industry in Georgia. Seedlings to Solutions features 1,500 square feet of equipment and products, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Forestry Association will be sharing the story of timber in Georgia, from its place as an industry to the ways it helps to preserve Georgia ecosystems and rural lands.
“We’re thankful for all that our farmers do for our state, but also our nation putting food on the tables, clothes on our backs and providing other countless goods and resources that are essential to our daily lives. No event does as much to promote our state’s agriculture products and careers as the fair,” said Governor Brian Kemp as he kicked off last year’s fair.
“The people of Perry can speak to how valuable having the fairground here is to their local community, as well as Houston County,” Kemp said. “I encourage all visitors to take some time and enjoy all the exhibits that highlight the strength of Georgia’s agriculture. I’m sure that when they do, they will be leaving knowing a little more about where your food comes from and find a new favorite Georgia grown product. So on behalf of all Georgians, all those visiting over the next 11 days, welcome to the fair.”
To learn more and plan your visit with the monstrous schedule of visits, or purchase tickets:
