Who says a dollar won't get you much these days?
It will this Monday, when the Georgia State Fair opens its
weeklong run with a "Dollar Day" admission.
And many of the vendors will be selling items at the same low
price, said Harold Carlisle, director of the fair.
Carlisle said he's made moves to bring a newness and excitement
to this year's fair. For one thing, the start date moved to
September, three weeks earlier than last year The fair also has
added a laser show at dusk and a barbecue cookoff, and it paid
$20,000 to renovate the hog and cattle barns, which students use to
show animals.
He hopes the improvements translate into increased
attendance.
"We're shooting for 100,000," Carlisle said. "If everything goes
right, we'll have that many."
The fair has been profitable over the years, drawing 68,000
visitors last year and generating $46,410 for the city. The fair's
proceeds are split each year, with 50 percent going to Exchange Club
charities, 25 percent going to next year's start-up costs and 25
percent going to the city for the use of the fairgrounds at Central
City Park.
Despite the revenue that the fair produces, Carlisle said his
biggest joy comes from the children.
"Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning, kindergartners
come in and we let 'em ride for free," he said. "They see a cow for
the first time. They see baby chicks. I don't make a nickel and
don't intend to."
Admission tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the gate, except
for Monday, when admission will be $1. There is free admission for
anyone who's shorter than 4 feet.
Gates to vendors open at noon, and rides open at 3 p.m., except
on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, rides open at noon. Sunday,
everything opens at 2 p.m.
