October 3-13, 2024
Every October, the Georgia National Fair rolls into town, and for 11 days, it’s like time stands still. If you’ve been, you know what I mean—it’s more than a fair. It’s tradition. It’s memories. And if you haven’t been, trust me, you’ll want to make the trip this year.
The Fair Has Deep Roots
Sure, the fair has all the excitement of rides and games, but it’s also about our rural roots of community, food, farming, and livestock. Growing up in Georgia, the fair is a big deal for the 4-H and FFA kids who get to show off their year’s hard work—whether it’s their prize-winning cow or goat or pig. In the barns, you hear the moos and bleats and catch a whiff of the horse stalls mixed with the smell of grilled meat wafting through the air—and it all feels right.
The fair brings nostalgia: bright neon lights, kids’ laughter & screams coming from the midway, blaring music, smells of smoky pork chops sizzling on the grill and the sweetness of funnel cakes in the air, and noticing how peaceful it is riding the Agri-Lift above all of the crowds and excitement. Who else can remember holding the baby chicks in Poultry World? Who else had their first kiss atop the giant Ferris wheel? It’s those little moments that stick with you.
Three generations of families have been coming to the Georgia National Fair; now, folks who came as children and young parents are bringing their kids and grandkids. Coming back to the fair feels like coming home. This year marks 35 Years of Magic, and while all the things we love are still here, there’s plenty of new stuff to get excited about too.
What’s New This Year
If you’re looking for some fresh entertainment, here’s what you’ve got to check out:
Mark the Magic Man: The South’s most sought-after illusionist performing on the All-American Stage and walking around the fairgrounds. He’s got some tricks up his sleeve you have to see.
Andy Rotz Trick Roper: Cowboy Andy and his dog Bandit are bringing a Wild West show with trick roping and knife throwing. He’ll only be there from October 10-13, so mark your calendar.
Space Adventures Thrill Show: This one’s got it all—a motorcycle globe with stunts, aerial acts, and a fire performance.
Wheels of Agriculture Game Show: This interactive show allows everyone to test their agricultural knowledge, reflexes, and luck—and win prizes.
Amazing Bubble Factory: Ever seen bubbles as big as cars? You will this year.
Bringing Back a Favorite
We’re all looking forward to the return of Mutton Bustin’ & Goat Ropin’. There’s nothing like watching the kids hang on to a sheep for dear life, trying to make it the full six seconds.
Food Worth the Trip
Let’s talk about the food. You know the fair always brings the delicious snacks and meals we crave, but the Fair Food Fight adds a new layer. They’ve got new dishes competing for the best sweet treat or savory snack, and it’s up to us to vote.
Here are some of the highlights:
Big G’s Magical Maryland Crabcakes: Lump crab meat is cooked golden brown and topped with a tasty remoulade sauce.
Sattler’s Pretzel Brat: A traditional bratwurst, but wrapped in a soft pretzel.
Meester Mike’s Golden Teriyaki Chicken Fries: Fries are topped with teriyaki chicken, wasabi ranch slaw and drizzled with yum yum sauce.
Fiesta Grill’s Cheeseburger in FAIRadise Quesadilla: A cheeseburger quesadilla is topped with onion, tomato, cheese, and a special sauce.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat:
The Donut Family’s Magical Cherry Cheesecake Donuts: Mini donuts with cheesecake and cherry topping, and homemade vanilla bean whipped cream.
Oldtime Sweetwater Taffy’s Purple Rain Taffy: Sour grape taffy with tangy and pop rocks inside—a flavor explosion.
Egbert’s Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake: Pumpkin-spiced batter’s golden strands are crowned with tangy cream cheese icing, clouds of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s like fall on a plate.
Polar Bear Ice Cream’s S’More Magic Ice Cream Sandwich: Graham cracker ice cream sandwiched between a graham cracker & chocolate wafer, dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in graham cracker, topped with marshmallow, a chocolate bar, and marshmallow drizzle.
These are just a few of the new items on the menu; the complete list is here.
A map with all of the Fair Food Fight vendors is here. Remember to vote for your favorite.
You Should Go
Whether you’re coming for the rides, the food, or just the atmosphere, the Georgia National Fair is the kind of event you won’t forget.
Come to Perry for the Georgia National Fair from October 3 to 13, bring your family and friends, and make some new memories together.
Be sure to visit the Georgia National Fair event page on our website.
A complete 2024 Schedule of Events can be found here.
Enjoy this slideshow with some of our favorite fair photos (thank you to Mark Johnson's Advanced Photojournalism class at the University of Georgia)
Becky Wilson