The Exchange Club of Albany Celebrates the 75th Southwest Georgia Regional Fair
ALBANY, Ga. – When the gates of the Southwest Georgia Regional Fair open tomorrow (Tuesday, October 24) the men and women of the Exchange Club of Albany will be continuing a 75-year-old tradition which has proven to pay dividends to non-profits and causes across the region.
In 1948 the inaugural Southwest Georgia Fair was held on the grounds of the Albany Airport. Operated jointly by the Chamber of Commerce and local civic clubs, the goal was to bring together and celebrate the BEST of Turner, Randolph, Dougherty, Colquitt, Terrell, Lee, Calhoun, Worth, Baker and Mitchell Counties.
That first included an “old-fashioned” country horse race, a hog-calling contest and a complete slate of 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits. By 1953, a mile-and-a-half long parade opened the Fair that featured 70 cars, five bands, elephants and was led by the Legion of Honor guard of Hasen Shrine Temple and a color guard from Turner Air Force Base.
In 1955, as part of its mission to serve the needs of the community, the Exchange Club of Southwest Georgia took over the direct organization of the Fair. As the fair expanded in size, its location was moved to its current location at 810 South Westover Road in 1970.
During the first decade, various midway companies provided the Fair’s carnival including the Brown & Wallace Show, Cetlin & Wilson Shows, the Johnny J. Jones Exposition and Gem City Shows. Since 1959, the James E. Strates Shows has been the Fair’s exclusive midway provider. At 64 years in duration, this relationship between one Fair and one midway provider is one of the longest partnership in modern amusement history.
Over the decades, the Fair has become a much-anticipated regional tradition and has only been cancelled twice, in 2020 and 2021, due to pandemic concerns. Since 1955, the Fair has grown into the Club’s largest fundraiser that directly benefits countless nonprofits in our region. The Club’s four main programs of service are Americanism, community service, youth development and prevention of child abuse.
The 2023 Fair runs from Opening Day on Tuesday, October 24th until Sunday, October 29th. Regular daily gate admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (55+), $6 for children 42 inches & under and FREE admission for children ages 2 and under in a stroller. Gates open at 4p Tuesday to Friday, 11a on Saturday and 1p on Sunday. Parking is always free at the Fair.
One of the highlights of the Fair is the annual Southwestern Georgia Livestock Show. The event schedule includes: Swine Show 3:00 PM Wednesday, October 25th; Goat Show 1:00 PM Thursday, October 26th; Sheep Show 3:00 PM Thursday, October 26th; Career Development Events 2:00 PM Friday, October 27th and Cattle Show 12:00 PM Saturday, October 28th.
The Exchange Club of Albany announces a unique event in conjunction with this year’s fair.
On Tuesday, October 24th, at approximately 11 AM, The Glidden Tour will be visiting the Exchange Club Fairgrounds on Westover Rd.
It is the oldest organized car tour in the United States and includes over 100 ‘pre-WWII’ vehicles from 1906 through 1941. Many rare vehicles you’ve probably never seen before and may never see again!
This is part of a pre-opening celebration of James E. States Shows 100th Anniversary celebration and the 75th Exchange Club Fair.
For more information, including the complete schedule of deals and discounts, visit www.ExchangeClubofAlbany.org.
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