Georgia National Fair returns for its 35th anniversary with food, rides, farm animals

The Georgia National Fair opens its gates this week for its 35th annual celebration, welcoming visitors to indulge in food, rides and the agricultural marvels of the state.

The fair, which began Oct. 3, runs through Oct. 13 and is open from noon-11 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. 

More than 565,000 people visited the fairground outside of Perry last year. The fair began in 1990 and attracted more than 270,000 visitors.

Tickets start at $15 for adults but children under 10 get in for free with a paying adult. A season pass costs $95 and ride armbands cost $30 Oct. 7 to Oct. 10, and $35 on Oct. 4, 11 and 13.

There are over 50 rides for kids and adults, with staples like the ferris wheel, bumper cars and the tiltawhirl. 

A handful of days will offer reduced admission and special concerts for Patriotic Day on Oct. 6 or Terrific Tuesday on Oct. 8.

The mega pass is available exclusively online for $35 and includes admission for a day and a ride armband on any of the aforementioned armband days.

Dozens of vendors selling everything from clothes to soap to musical instruments will be situated in one of three market venues. Food stands selling classic fair foods — like corn dogs, funnel cake and cotton candy, are also spread around the fairground, with some of the restaurants taking part in the fair’s food fight.

The fair also features several livestock and agricultural exhibits, including sheep and swine, horses, cows farms or the baby farm, which is held at the Georgia Grown pavilion.

The Georgia Living competitions are being held at the fair, with contests being held in culinary arts, sewing, leather craft, wood carving, soap carving and more.