GNFA to reopen July 1, moves forward with 2020 fair

The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority met Wednesday afternoon for the first time in person since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and after lengthy discussions, authority members unanimously agreed to reopen the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter for businesses and events, starting July 1 as well as to move forward with the 2020 Georgia National Fair.

Stephen Shimp, Executive Director of the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, said the decision to reopen July 1 was based on support from Governor Brian Kemp’s office and Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority members.

The fairgrounds will be following guidelines provided by the CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Philip Gentry, Agricultural/Youth Livestock Director, has also, with the help of other staff members, created a COVID-19 guidelines and rulebook for the fairgrounds.

“These guidelines are subject to change based on data and trends of COVID-19, but we feel with following guidelines from the state, CDC and creating a few of our own, will make a safe environment for all of our visitors and staff. Each event coordinator will receive this rulebook prior to the start of their event, and will be made available for all participants. George (Neal, Physical Plant Director) and his team will be working signage and placing it before July 1. We will also have sanitizer stations all throughout the grounds, social distancing will be implemented, and our staff will be cleaning and disinfecting all throughout the day.”

The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter COVID-19 guidelines and rulebook is 16 pages long and includes a resource page of websites for more information. Some highlights include wearing a mask and that all exhibitors and staff should be symptom and fever free (of any illness) for a minimum of 72 hours before the event day. Prior to admittance to the fairgrounds, all participants of any event are required to submit and complete a COVID-19 waiver.

“We’re excited to open back up,” Gentry said. “Our exhibitors have expressed how ready they are to come back to their home away from home. So we will actually begin with a couple of livestock shows in July that will include the beef futurity show and lamb show, and the NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) will be hosting the youth world finals here.”

Shimp said over the next several weeks, updates to guidelines for the Georgia National Fair would be released and made available to families to plan accordingly.

“As always, safety is our top priority, and this year’s fair is no exception. We will be following all State of Georgia and CDC guidelines at the time of our event and will make them available to our fairgoers well in advance so that you can be prepared upon arrival. Our staff, authority, and partners look forward to seeing everyone, October 8-18,” Shimp said.

With having canceled all events from March to June, Stephen Rodgers, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, reported Wednesday that the fairgrounds had a loss of nearly $1 million in revenues. Also, during the pandemic, Rodgers said that eight people were laid off and about 38 employees were on partial unemployment.

“It has been a difficult time, but with us reopening for business in July and moving forward with the fair, we will be in good shape,” Rodgers said. “We have been proud of the fact that we are 90% self-funded and hope to continue that even with the hit we have taken from the pandemic.”

Rodgers also noted that the fair revenue is 60% of the operating budget, and that currently in reserves, the fairgrounds has about $1.6 million.

Shimp said that they will be updating policies and guidelines for public events and will be releasing the information via social media and online at www.gnfa.com.

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