PERRY, Ga. — The 34th Georgia National Fair is officially here and saw a crowd come out Thursday for the festivities, including local leaders, senior leadership for the Agricultural Authority and elected officials, who gathered at the fair’s opening ceremony that took place Oct. 5 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter’s Reaves Arena.
The ceremony began with remarks from Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority Chairman Foster Rhodes.
During the ceremony, it was said that Rhodes has been monumental to the Authority; while he spoke, he gave credit to multiple people who have also been monumental to the fair along the way, such as senior leadership at the Authority, local leadership for Houston County and Perry, local representatives in state government and fairground employees. Rhodes also gave special shoutouts to law enforcement, Robins Air Force Base, the fair’s ride vendor, and finally Governor Brian Kemp, who was the keynote speaker.
Closing his speech, Rhodes wished everyone a happy and safe time at the fair.
“I hope all of you have a good time. I hope you have a safe time at the fair, and above all, enjoy yourself,” Rhodes said.
Governor Kemp spoke next on the large role agriculture plays in the state, coming off the heels of celebrating Georgia’s designation as the best state to do business, citing major investments and thousands of jobs created. He also highlighted the spotlight the Georgia National Fair shines on agriculture, as part of its mission to educate the public on Georgia’s largest industry, which he said has an economic contribution of $73.2 billion and 340,000 jobs statewide.
“We’re thankful for all that our farmers do for our state, but also our nation putting food on the tables, clothes on our backs and providing other countless goods and resources that are essential to our daily lives. No event does as much to promote our state’s agriculture products and careers as the fair. This year, the event offers young Georgians a platform to both learn about those pathways, but also to gain firsthand experience,” Kemp said.
Kemp also spoke on tourism, saying the state broke records last year, with 167 million travelers and $40 billion in financial impact.
“The people of Perry can speak to how valuable having the fairground here is to their local community, as well as Houston County,” Kemp said.
Finally, Kemp reflected on taking his children to the fair, and welcomed the public to the fair before the ceremonial ribbon was cut.
“As we celebrate the start of the 34th Georgia National Fair, I want to wish all this year’s competitors the best and encourage all visitors to take some time and enjoy all the exhibits that highlight the strength of Georgia’s agriculture,” Kemp said. “I’m sure that when they do, they will be leaving knowing a little more about where your food comes from and find a new favorite Georgia grown product. So on behalf of all Georgians, all those visiting over the next 11 days, welcome to the fair.”
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