In less than three weeks, downtown Statesboro will be packed as the 64th annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair parade gets underway, kicking off a week of fun at the multi-county agricultural fair.

There is still plenty of time — and room — to sign up to enter a float, marching band, classic car or other entry for the Oct. 19 event. The deadline to register is noon on Oct. 14 and there is no fee to enter.

The theme for the parade this year is "Stars, Stripes, and Carnival Lights," which is all about celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Floats adhering to the theme will be judged, with prizes awarded ($400 cash to the first-place winner and cash prizes for places through fifth). Rules for entering the parade, as well as an entry form, are available online.

The parade starts at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the intersection of East Olliff and North Main Streets. It follows North Main through downtown Statesboro, down South Main Street and ends at College Plaza (the corner of Zetterower Avenue and Fair Road).

After the parade, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds on Highway 67 will open at 6:30 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club operates a family-style event with entertainment ranging from a lumberjack show to a small family circus, along with historical displays, antique farm implements, livestock shows, projects and art by local students and other citizens. And, of course, a midway filled with rides and games of chance from Amusements of America.

The 2026 Fair will operate from Monday, Oct. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 24. Hours: Monday, 6:30 p.m.–midnight; Tuesday–Thursday, 4 p.m.–midnight; Friday, 4 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday, noon–midnight.

Admission is $12 for advance online sales and $15 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free. Wrist band ride tickets will go on sale Oct. 1.

There will be live entertainment nightly, with commercial exhibits, a petting zoo and vendors, including a number of local food providers, such as the Kiwanis Pancake House and the Barbecue Hut.