If you can feel excitement in the air this week, it is likely because of the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair. In its 55th year, the fair begins with a bang at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 with a parade, and brings fun, food and family time to Bulloch and six other counties for six whole days.
The fair winds through downtown Statesboro with bands, dance groups, beauty queens, classic cars, trucks and tractors and floats with the theme “Farmers: We Have a Good Thing Growing.” Themed floats are judged for cash prizes.
Parade Chairman Charles Sheets said there are over 150 entries and 2,800 people participating in the parade.
Forecasts call for a slight chance of showers, but the show will go on even in a light rain, he said.
Held at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds on Hwy. 67 (an extension of Fair Road), the agricultural fair serves Evans, Bryan, Tattnall, Screven, Jenkins and Candler counties as well as Bulloch County. Youth from all seven counties, as well as other residents, compete in 4-H and FFA mini-booths, livestock showing, art shows, or in judged categories for best crops, canned goods, baked goods and more.
Amusements of America has provided the Statesboro Kiwanis Club with a quality, family-oriented midway for well over 20 years. The Vivona family, which owns the company, promises several large thrill rides as well as many other traditional rides; games of chance and vendors with novelties and “fair food” such as New York style pizza, Italian sausages, and deep fried Oreos.
The Kiwanians will open the popular Pancake House each night, and the Barbecue Hut will lure folks with the tantalizing smells of roasting pork. A cane grinding exhibit is educational as well as offers fresh cane juice and syrup.
Local vendors from church, civic or other groups will also offer a variety of foods in the Heritage Village, which also holds exhibits such as a blacksmith shop, grist mill, old country store and the historic Aldrich House and barnyard. That is where the live entertainment is found as well, along with Sam’s Path Petting Zoo and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, said 2016 Kiwanis Fair Chairman Wallace Brown.
“We hope that your family and friends will join us in continuing the tradition of education, heritage,
business exhibits, great food, entertainment and rides,” he said in a statement posted in the fair’s website, www.kiwanisogeecheefair.org. That is where more information about the fair can be found.
“The Fair Committee and Kiwanis Club have worked diligently this past year to prepare the fair
grounds and build a fair with great entertainment and fun for all ages,” he said. “We have booked some great live music entertainment that will be enjoyed by everyone attending the fair.”
These include a show of illusions and escapes by Extreme Illusions & Escapes.
The fair is a family-oriented event and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office will have a presence there nightly to ensure the public’s safety.
Brown said absolutely no weapons, drugs or gang-related items will be allowed. No fighting or inappropriate behavior is acceptable, and anyone encountering a problem is asked to contact a Kiwanis member (in a yellow short or jacket) or a deputy.
No dogs are allowed except service dogs, he said.
The fairgrounds has a first aid station with Bulloch County EMS and a lost and found booth as well.
Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.
BOX
Monday, Oct. 17
· Community Night; $5 admission, a portion of which goes to the Statesboro Food Bank
· Parade begins downtown at 5 p.m.
· Fairgrounds open at 6 p.m.
· Rabbit show at 7 p.m.
· Free live entertainment, exhibits
· Fair closes at 11 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 18
· Wrist stamp night - $20 stamp allows bearer unlimited rides.
· Senior Citizen’s Day (discount)
· Fair opens at 4 p.m.
· Free live entertainment, exhibits
· Fair closes at 11 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 19
· Student night – free admission for all students; current ID required for college age
· Market Goat Show at 6 p.m.
· Fairgrounds open at 4 p.m.
· Free live entertainment, exhibits
· Fair closes at 11 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 20
· Wrist Stamp Night - $20 stamp allows bearer unlimited rides.
· Military Appreciation Day –free admission to retired and active duty military and dependents with ID
· Fairgrounds open at 4 p.m.
· Free live entertainment, exhibits
· Market lamb show at 6 p.m.
· Fair closes at 11 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 21
· Moonlight Madness – wrist stamps $15 allows bearer unlimited rides. ONLY from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m.
· Fairgrounds open at 4 p.m.
· Free exhibits, live entertainment
· Fair closes at 1 a.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 22
· Wrist stamps all day $22 allows bearer unlimited rides.
· Kiddie Land Special - kiddie rides $1 from 1-3 p.m.
· Fairgrounds open at 1 p.m.
· Steer/Heifer show 2 p.m.
· Gates closed at 10 p.m. – no ticket sales or readmissions after 10 p.m.
· Midnight – fair closes, rides shut down.