Georgia National Fair Numbers Increase, Despite Hurricane Michael

PERRY, Georgia (WMGT/41NBC) – Attendance numbers are in for the 29th Annual Georgia National Fair. Despite being closed for one day due to Hurricane Michael, numbers increased from last year.

Attendance totaled 496,524 over the 11 day event. That’s an increase over the 2017 Fair by 29,940 attendees.

Fair organizers say there were also three record-breaking attendance days, although this was the first year in 29 years that the fair was closed for an entire day.

“Hurricane Michael took so much from so many, our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families during this difficult transition,” said GNFA Executive Director Stephen Shimp. “The 2018 Georgia National Fair was a huge success and we contribute that to our Fair-goers and the elite team we have here at GNFA.”

The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, Organizers, and Staff attribute the success to detailed planning, focused leadership, and trained security personnel.

Another highlight of the 2018 Georgia National Fair was the addition of the new Georgia Grown Baby Barn exhibit. During the 11 days, families witnessed dairy cattle bring new baby calves into this world, in a state of the art birthing facility. This attraction gave spectators the opportunity to witness, for the first time at our fair, live animal births. This year, staff delivered 20 calves during the 11 day event, each receiving a name by an audience member.

The 30th Annual Georgia National Fair is scheduled for October 3-13, 2019 in Perry, Ga.