The sun shone on the Georgia National Fair this month.
Fair officials say more than 535,000 people attended this year's 11-day event in Perry.
That's a new record, and 7 percent more than a year ago.
And this past Saturday was the biggest day in the history of the fair. More than 93,000 people enjoyed the rides, the fun and the music.
Fair officials credit good weather and good luck. The severe weather that hit Coastal Georgia 10 days ago didn't affect the fair at all.
Next year's dates at the Georgia National Fair: Oct 5-15.
Your Photos: 2016 Ga. National Fair
The fair's complete statement:
Georgia National Fair 2016
October 6-16, 2016 was a record setting 11 days of elite entertainment, pure enjoyment, and delicious food at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia! Attendance totaled 536,840, making the 2016 Georgia National Fair a record setting year. This is a seven percent increase over 2015, which drew 501,528 visitors. In addition to setting a new overall attendance record, Saturday, October 15th proved to be the highest single attendance day in the history of the fair with 93,000 visitors on one single day. The crowd was amazing and the energy undeniable.
The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, Organizers, and Staff attribute the success to a combination of excellent weather, planning, leadership, and welcoming atmosphere exemplified in all aspects of the Georgia National Fair. Stephen Shimp, Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Executive Director, stated “We were blessed with beautiful weather here in Perry, despite the weather that hit our coastal counties and neighbors, we were blessed not to be affected by the storm during this fair season. Along with wonderful weather we also shared our event with many school system Fall Break schedules which allowed students, teachers, and families time off to come and enjoy the festivities together.” The GNF&A would like to extend our warmest thoughts and wishes to those who did experience personal loss during the storms that hit our Georgia residents and neighboring states as well.
Mr. Shimp stated, “We celebrate Georgia during the Fair. We want to make sure we showcase all that is great about the State of Georgia. From our youth participating in agriculture competitions, to our dynamic family entertainment, we are all about tradition and quality of life in Georgia.” Concerts, entertainment, and attractions are some of the most highly sought after in the entertainment industry each and every year at the Georgia National Fair. New this year was the addition of a fifth free concert on our new Georgia National Stage, located in our event field. “The new location of our larger concert stage has given numerous guests the opportunity to have an area to enjoy music, dance, and take in the Fair as it should be,” stated Mr. Shimp. In addition to a new concert we also offered over $600,000 in free entertainment for all ages to enjoy each and every day during the fair. As the Fair continues to grow, staff of the Georgia National Fair will continue to look for ways to improve areas throughout the facility so that all attending will leave with a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Livestock competitions, the Georgia Living Program, the Georgia Grown exhibit, school groups, rallies, and the traditional components such as the Midway rides and food vendors all offered a unique perspective to those who visited the Fairgrounds. Mr. Shimp states, “The Georgia National Fair’s success can be credited to the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, the staff of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, all Public safety personnel, and the State of Georgia. It takes a team such as the one we have at the GNF&A to achieve a Fair such as this and I want to thank everyone who played an integral part in making the 2016 Georgia National Fair a great success and one for the record books. We look forward to what 2017 has to offer! “
The 28th Annual Georgia National Fair is scheduled for October 5—15, 2017 in Perry, Ga. For more information about this Georgia Point of Pride, visit www.georgianationalfair.com