Georgia National Fair’s impact extends beyond Perry fairgrounds

Visit Perry says the fair attracts 500,000 to 600,000 visitors and is one of the city's busiest times for hotels.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia National Fair is a Perry tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Middle Georgia each year. Visit Perry says the economic impact extends beyond the fairgrounds.

Anya Turpin, executive director of Visit Perry, says the fair typically brings between 500,000 and 600,000 people to the area during the 11 day event.

Turpin says fair week is also the second highest hotel occupancy period Perry sees throughout the year.

“It continues to bring visitors, not just to our hotels but to Perry,” Turpin said. “It serves as such an economic driver not just for money but awareness.”

She says the Georgia National Fair also brings regional and national attention to Perry, giving people who may have never visited the city a reason to learn more about it.

Turpin is encouraging fair goers to spend time in Perry beyond the fairgrounds by staying an extra night, eating at local restaurants and shopping downtown.

“We love people coming for the Georgia National Fair, but Perry is open year round, not just for 11 days,” she said.

She hopes visitors will return to Perry for other festivals, events and weekend trips throughout the year.

The Georgia National Fair runs October 8 through October 18 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. October 8 inside Reaves Arena.

For more information about the fair, including the last chance to purchase a Mega Pass, visit the Georgia National Fair’s Facebook page.