Southwest Georgia Regional Fair returns for 71st year

ALBANY — The 71st annual Southwest Georgia Regional Fair will have many of the elements regular fair-goers expect to see, along with a new show and veteran recognition component.

Opening ceremonies at the fairgrounds, at 810 S. Westover Blvd., is at 3 p.m. on Tuesday before the gates open at 4 p.m. The fair gates open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. on Saturday. On its final day, the fair will be open 1 p.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

Skip Nichols, fair manager, said the veteran recognition is a new element because the fair this year falls on Veterans Day this Saturday. Someone from a different branch of service will be honored daily, and the Field of Flags, Field of Crosses and a smaller replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will be at the fair.

Nichols said the foods there will include candy apples, fried Oreo stands and Mexican food, while the traditional rides and attractions will be provided again by Strates Shows.

“There will be a lot of good family fun entertainment,” he said.

Nichols said there are returnees performing shows every night, including hypontist Tammy Barton and Buffalo Barfield. Chase Barton of Freedom 2 Juggle will be at various locations throughout the fair performing various styles of juggling.

“We were not able to get him (Chase Barton) last year due to a conflict, but we were able to bring him back this year,” Nichols said.

A new addition this year is the Majestik Spectacular Thrill Show, which will feature a high-wire act and a motorcyclist in a globe performing the “Globe of Death” act. Nichols said he saw the act at a fair convention in Las Vegas and was impressed.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “If I had been (younger), I might have tried the Globe of Death.”

The annual agricultural displays and contests are planned for this year, with a swine show at 3 pm. Wednesday, goat show at 3 p.m. Thursday, lamb show at 3 p.m. Friday and cattle show at noon Saturday.

The annual demolition derby is taking place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, for which there is a purse worth $5,500 including trophies. Before that at 7 p.m., children ages 4-9 are taking part in a Power Wheels derby of their own.

At the children’s derby, two drawings, one for ages 4 to 6 and the other for ages 7 to 9, will determine the winners of new Power Wheels vehicles.

Free musical entertainment is set to be onstage from 5-10:30 p.m., where bands including Unbreakable Bloodline and Days to Come will be performing.

Last year’s fair brought in 65,000 people, the highest number on record.

“Last year was a record-breaking year for us,” Nichols said. “We are really expecting to see an increase in those numbers this year.”

The first day of the fair is Homerun Foods day, when there will be a $24 value wristband for $16, with a similar deal available during the McDonald’s days on Wednesday and Thursday.

“On Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon, everyone who comes in to the fair will be admitted free, and the kiddie rides for children under 42 inches can ride until 4 p.m.,” Nichols said.

Sunday will be the megapass day, during which $20 will buy admission and a wristband at the front door for a $32 value.

Advanced megapasses are available at Homerun Foods locations through noon on Tuesday for $18 any day of the week for a $32 value. Those who pick up a discount coupon from Homerun Foods can save $2 on gate tickets for adults and $1 for children.

General admission at the door is $8 for adults, $4 for children under 42 inches and free for children in strollers. Gate admission for ages 55 and up is $5 each day of the fair.

Tickets are also on sale at the fair’s website, www.exchangeclubfair.org, in advance for $5 for adults, $2 for children and the megapass for $18. The website contains additional information about the fair.