After starting to prepare back in February, the Georgia-Carolina State Fair is finally opening up for the 99th time on Friday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m. and plans on welcoming both four and two-legged visitors.
As people anticipate the beloved, annual tradition, Fair Manager Joe Taylor and other members of the Exchange Club are all pitching in to help set up contests, booths and handle other responsibilities.
As someone who grew up attending the fair every year since he was a child, Taylor takes great pride in making the fair a reality year after year.
“I love seeing it all come together and knowing that I was a part of making that happen,” he said. “I remember coming to this fair and riding on my daddy’s shoulders. I grew up coming to this fair and so did my kids … When I came into the Exchange Club in 1963, I was married for a year and didn’t have any kids. So, they spent their entire youth coming to the fair.”
The Exchange Club’s fair is a non-profit organization and donates 100% of all profits to several charities – this year’s fair will be supporting 32 local charities. Taylor said members of the club are dedicated to working the fair and making it enjoyable for all.
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“I think that’s why a lot of members think being a part of the Exchange Club is special. Not only for what we’re doing for the community, but what it means to our families as well,” he said. “I think it’s almost like being in a benevolent organization.”
Taylor said this year the fair will feature different costumed-characters Fridays to Sundays. With Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Captain America, Batman and Robin among the Fair Bear – Taylor anticipates this year’s fair to be an excellent success.
Featured shows will include the Miss Fair pageant on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 3 to 8:30 p.m. and various livestock shows throughout the fair’s operation.
Everyday programs will include the Aquatic Aerobats Show, the Super Circus and the Jurassic Kingdom show. For the first time ever, the Jurassic Kingdom will be displaying two different moving dinosaurs among various puppets.
Agricultural and Livestock shows, presented by Burke and Richmond County’s 4-H and the Future Farmers of America Organization, will be spread out amongst the fair’s 10 days. Shows will feature a swine, dairy cow, heifer and steer, sheep and goat show, as well as a special 4-H mini booth and poster contest.
“One of the cutest things I see every year is when some little kid with a cow lying down, and they go over and want to touch it,” said Taylor.
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Competing youth who will be presenting said animals will range from Pre-K to 12th grade; all participants will be separated into different age categories and will be competing for a cash prize and a beautiful belt buckle.
According to Taylor, a fair cannot be considered a fair without a prominent livestock aspect. Many even put aside the prize money from the livestock competitions for college funds – some even receive scholarships.
“People love the animals; a lot of people come specifically to see the animals,” said Taylor. “One year, about 10 years ago, we didn’t have them one night due to a slip-up and we had people coming to our office upset that there were no animals in the barn that night.”
Fair committee chairman of livestock and county extension agent, Campbell Vaughn, said the agricultural aspect of the fair is a crucial aspect to keeping the fair wholesome and educational for children.
“I would think that a lot of these city kids don’t know where their hamburger meat comes from,” said Taylor. “They just know you get it from McDonald’s, and they don’t think about it being a beef cow or the milk coming from these dairy cows.”
For the participating 4-H members who showcase animals in the showmanship competitions, win or lose, Vaughn believes families takeaway a great experience and pride in their work.
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“They take a lot of pride in it because they’re exercising the animals; they’re kind of taming them to where they are getting used to being on a leash,” he said. “I would say the actual showing of the animal is probably the ultimate thing for them. They kind of just enjoy the thrill of the showmanship part.”
Not to mention – who doesn’t love petting dairy cows and goats while resting one’s grease food-filled stomach from the fast-paced rides.
“Some of these kids have never seen these animals in real life and their eyes get so big,” said Vaughn.
As a result of thousands of pieces being donated to the Richmond County office from a local jewelry shop, 4-H will also be hosting a jewelry booth and selling gorgeous pieces for $1 each.
“A jewelry business closed, and they donated all of their pieces to us, so we’re selling it in hopes to raise some money for the county’s 4-H program,” said Shameka Mapp, a county extension agent from University of Georgia.
Amidst all the fun rides and shows, vendors will also be cooking up delicious foods like Cajun fried mushrooms, Cajun fried pickles, corn dogs and Krispy Kreme burgers.
Taylor said his personal favorite were the fair’s fried Oreos. “They are delicious; they just melt in your mouth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vaughn said his personal favorite were French fries made by Cullers’ especially when topped with some salt and vinegar.
But, according to Taylor, the absolute best part of the fair is watching people connect and have fun at the fair. He believes this became especially important after COVID-19 forced everyone to disconnect and stay home as many people became depressed when they were stuck inside.
To Taylor, the fair allows people to connect and enjoy something exciting together, and maybe it’s bringing joy to those who desperately need it after such a tough pandemic.
“Interesting thing about fairs, even during war time when the Augusta National shut down the fields, we did not shut down. Only thing we have ever shut down for is COVID,” he said. “We’ve been a constant source of relief and entertainment … but I think people don’t like being pent up – doing nothing horrible.”
To those skeptical of ride safety, Taylor said the rides are thoroughly inspected by state safety agents who ensure the double check all machinery before the fair opens.
“Those rides are as safe as you can come,” he said. “The state comes out with six or seven inspectors who do all sorts of checking before we open, they go under and everything and they look for anything they can. Those rides are absolutely safe.”
Taylor also mentioned the state health department does the same sort of thorough evaluations for all concession and food stands.
The fair will be open from Oct. 14 to 23 and will offer a number of special discount days to make it even cheaper for families to enjoy.
Taylor said those who have never been to the fair need to attend and experience the excitement and delicious food which makes the event a fantastic community event for all ages.
Across the Savannah River, Aiken’s Western Carolina State Fair will also be returning on Oct. 14 to 23 and has added a clear bag and teen admission policy.
Although small, clutch-like purses will be allowed, all other bags such as diaper bags or backpacks must be clear. All patrons, vendors and exhibitors will also pass through metal detectors before purchasing tickets and entering the fair. The Georgia-Carolina Fair prohibits all backpacks and reserves the right to search all items upon arrival.
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All children under the age of 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 25-years-old or older to enter the Western Carolina State Fair. The Georgia-Carolina State Fair requires those 15-years-old and younger to be accompanied by a parent and may be asked to show proof of age with ID.
For 2022, the Western Carolina fair will feature a gunfight stunt show, a petting zoo and pig race, a demolition derby, bull riding and competition exhibitions.
The Western Carolina State Fairgrounds is located at 562 May Royal Drive, and the Georgia-Carolina State Fair is located at 308 Hale St near downtown Augusta.
For schedules and ticket specials of the Western Carolina State Fair visit: LetsRideAiken.com
For schedules and ticket specials of the Georgia-Carolina State Fair visit: https://www.georgiacarolinastatefair.com
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
