Bring an empty belly and an appetite for fun. It's time for the Georgia State Fair.

This year, the Exchange Club is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the fair. Though it began in 1851, it wasn't held during the Civil War.

They'll celebrate the sesquicentennial with cupcakes at 10:30 next Saturday morning.

"It's also the day for the Sunshine Special," said Stephanie McKelroy, the deputy director. "For every children's home there is in the county, every child comes in free, eats free and rides free."

The children, from places such as the Georgia Industrial Children's Home, will form a procession as they enter the fairgrounds to build awareness of their organizations, McKelroy said.

"Other children may look forward to going to the beach every year, but for these children, this is the event they look forward to all year."

Several new events are planned for this year's state fair, which runs Monday through Sunday. One is a clogging competition, which will feature dance teams from around the state and from Florida.

"The image of cloggers in the frilly skirts isn't totally true these days," McKelroy said. "These new age cloggers dress almost like jazz dancers."

Also new this year are two eating competitions, a corn-on-the-cob contest and one for chicken wings. They join other belly-busting contests involving pizza, hotdogs, doughnuts and fried green tomatoes. It's all part of keeping alive the traditions of the state fair, McKelroy said.

"If you look back to what a fair was like 50 years ago, they had competitions like this."

Firefighters will participate in two events during the week: a firehouse chili cookoff at 6:30 p.m. Monday and a firemen's competition at 6 p.m. Thursday. That event features a barrel roll, team rapid dress, bucket brigade, and hose and ladder competition. They're all intended to replicate what a firefighter normally experiences on the job, McKelroy said.

Monday night's talent show is always a popular draw, with competitors coming from as far away as Kentucky, McKelroy said.

The fair also features livestock shows, a midway, petting zoo with exotic animal show, and the country comedian J.B. Slicker. Besides doing shows at lunchtime, the comedian will be strolling the grounds, interacting with children.

"He's dressed up like a hillbilly, in overalls with one pant leg rolled up," McKelroy said. "Last year was his first year, and we got a lot of requests for him to come back."

Starts Monday

What: Georgia State Fair

When: Noon-11 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 2-8 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Central City Park, Macon

Cost: Admission is $5 at the gate, $3 in advance for those 48 inches" tall and up; free for children under 48 inches. Does not include rides.

Phone: 746-7184

Web: www.georgiastatefair.org