The Columbia County Fair is returning for its 57th year Nov. 3-13. Although some favorite fair rides and shows will return, there will be some new events and entertainment.
According to the Columbia County Fair website, rides returning include The ZoogVogel, the 720, the MoonRocket, Xfactory and more.
Returning events and entertainment include the Demolition Derby, the Magicianman TJ Hill-Strolling, Sea Lion Splash, Wardrobe of Wishes and the Master Chainsaw Carver.
New entertainment and events include the Ready Go Dog Show, Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Circus and the Tinsmithing Show.
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The Ready Go Dog Show is a professional dog show that features world champion Frisbee dogs, thrill seeking diving dogs, and the highest box jump dog in the world. According to the Ready Go Dog Show website, the dogs have been seen on ESPN, The Today Show, Fox and Friends, and more. The Ready Go Dog Show will have a show at 7 and 9 p.m. at the Columbia County Fair each night.
According to Steve Johnston, fair publicity chairman and a member of the Merchants Association of Columbia County, the fair raised over $200,000 for charitable organizations last year and in 2020. Some of the charities the money is raised for include Columbia County Cares, a day with the deputy event and Child Enrichment. The day with the deputy event involves Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies take kids on a Christmas shopping spree.
“That is huge, and that is why we do the fair – to benefit organizations in our community,” Johnston said. “It raises money for us to make a better fair, but also make a better community.”
Members of the association volunteer to work at the fair and give back to the community.
“Those people you see in green vest – members of the Merchants Association – they are not paid,” Johnston. “That way each individual that is a Columbia County Merchants Association member is making their contribution, so that we don’t have to pay somebody what we can do and that would take away from the charity organizations we are giving to.”
Last year, the Columbia County Fair turnout was one of the biggest they have ever seen with 70,000 people attending according to Johnston. Johnston says he expects around the same amount of people or even more this year.
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A new youth attendance policy has been put in place for this year’s fair. Children 17 and under must accompanied by a parent after 7 p.m.
“We have security all over the place and merchants that scout out what is going on, and they are there to help people, but also keep eyes on misbehaving,” Johnston said. “It is something most all of the fairs are doing. You got to do all you can do to make sure everyone stays safe because you got a big crowd.”
Opening night the fair will have a Student Night Special, where unlimited rides will be $15. On normal weekdays, unlimited rides will be $25 and on the weekends it will be $30.
The Columbia County Fall Fair will be held at the fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. For more information visit www. https://columbiacountyfair.net/.
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
