The Exchange Club of Albany Celebrates the 77th Southwest Georgia Regional Fair
ALBANY, Ga. – When the gates swing open on Tuesday, October 28th, the Exchange Club of Albany will proudly continue a 77-year tradition of bringing together the very best of Southwest Georgia while supporting nonprofits and community causes across the region.
The story of the Fair began in 1948, when the inaugural Southwest Georgia Fair was held on the grounds of the Albany Airport. Jointly operated by the Chamber of Commerce and local civic clubs, its mission was to showcase the spirit and accomplishments of Turner, Randolph, Dougherty, Colquitt, Terrell, Lee, Calhoun, Worth, Baker, and Mitchell Counties.
That first Fair featured such old-fashioned fun as a country horse race, a hog-calling contest, and a full slate of 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits. By 1953, the Fair had grown into a true spectacle, kicking off with a mile-and-a-half-long parade featuring 70 cars, five marching bands, elephants, and the Legion of Honor Guard from the Hasen Shrine Temple, along with a color guard from Turner Air Force Base.
In 1955, the Exchange Club of Southwest Georgia assumed full responsibility for organizing the Fair, aligning the event with its mission of serving community needs. That same year, the Fair was held on new grounds off Lowe Road, under the leadership of Marvin Lorig, who transitioned from a paid Chamber of Commerce employee to a devoted volunteer Fair Manager.
As the event grew, the Fair moved to its current home at 810 South Westover Road in 1970, where it continues to welcome thousands of guests each fall.
Throughout its early years, several midway companies brought carnival excitement to the Fairgrounds—including Brown & Wallace Shows, Cetlin & Wilson Shows, Johnny J. Jones Exposition, and Gem City Shows. But in 1959, a partnership began that would make amusement history: the James E. Strates Shows became the Fair’s exclusive midway provider. Now in its 66th year, this enduring collaboration stands as one of the longest-running partnerships between a Fair and a carnival in the nation.
Over the decades, the Southwest Georgia Regional Fair has grown into a beloved regional tradition—canceled only twice in its history (2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic). It remains the Exchange Club’s largest annual fundraiser, helping to fuel its four pillars of service: Americanism, community service, youth development, and the prevention of child abuse.
The 2025 Fair runs from Tuesday, October 28th through Sunday, November 2nd.
• Gate Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (55+), $8 for children 42” & under, and FREE for children under 42” in strollers.
• Military Appreciation: Active-duty military and veterans with ID receive FREE admission every day.
• Gate Hours: 5 PM (Tuesday–Friday), 11 AM (Saturday), and 1 PM (Sunday).
• Parking: Always free.
A highlight of the week is the Southwestern Georgia Livestock Show, featuring:
• Swine Show: Wednesday, October 29th at 3:00 PM
• Goat Show: Friday, October 31st at 1:00 PM
• Sheep Show: Friday, October 31st at 3:00 PM
• Cattle Show: Saturday, November 2nd at 12:00 PM
For a full schedule of events, daily deals, and discount information, visit www.ExchangeClubofAlbany.org
Copyright 2025 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.
