The Columbia County Fair is returning this year with new charms in tow.
COVID-19 did not hamper the fair last fall. While entry required taking temperatures and seated events were suspended, the fair went on as scheduled.
“We had a great crowd last year,” said Steve Johnston, fair publicity chairman and a member of the Merchants Association of Columbia County, which manages the fair scheduled for Nov. 4 through Nov. 14.
Johnston said some slight precautions will be taken, such as heavily sanitizing the food court and seats in rides; but overall, no stringent COVID-mitigating measures will be taken.
“There certainly won’t be any imposition on any of our guests,” said Johnston.
The fair started 56 years ago in Martinez. Johnston and Mike Zapata, fair chairman, said it’s one of the many ways the merchants’ association raises funds to serve the county.
“Everybody volunteers at the fair,” said Zapata. “Our main goal is just to give back to the community. Helping people in need, seeing smiles on kids’ faces.”
Johnston notes that last year the fair raised over $200,000 for charitable organizations, including $150,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. Some charities the fair regularly raises money for include the Columbia County Cares food pantry; Fisher House, which supports military families in need; the Lydia Project, which supports cancer patients; and the Healthy Grandparents program, run by the Augusta University College of Nursing.
The rides are coordinated by the Augusta-based fair vendor Drew Exposition, whose owner, Jimmy Drew, was named Fairman of the Year by the Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs in 2019.
“They have an impeccable rep among fair providers,” said Johnston. “It’s something special when you’ve got somebody in the Augusta area doing that. So, we’ve got a really good relationship with them.”
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This year, the fair boasts three new attractions for guests. Aquatic Acrobatics is a stunt and aerial acrobatics show involving water. There will be a firefighter show to entertain and educate children interested in what it’s like to work for the fire department and there will be nightly performances by Magicman TJ Hill.
“We haven’t had a magic show in quite some time,” said Johnston.
Among the attractions returning are the Jurassic Kingdom dinosaur show; Hot Glass Academy, a glassblowing demonstration; a Wardrobe of Wishes, a performance troupe featuring actresses as Disney princesses; and the Eudora Petting Zoo.
Zapata expects a turnout of about 15,000 people, and anticipates further opportunity to garner resources for locals in need. With free parking and extra security, he said, the organization strives toward a fun and safe atmosphere.
“It’s family oriented,” said Zapata. “That’s the biggest part of it.”
The Columbia County Fall Fair will be held at the fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. For more information visit www. https://columbiacountyfair.net/.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
