October typically means an abundance of cotton candy, Ferris wheels and midway games with multiple area fairs.
Because of Hurricane Helene, the 101-year-old Georgia-Carolina State Fair, which was originally scheduled for Oct. 18-27, has been cancelled this year, according to its website. But the Western Carolina State Fair in Aiken will go on and is set to open Friday, Oct. 11.
“The fair understands that residents have faced unforeseen financial hardships because of Hurricane Helene, so it is offering 15 Buck Tuesday on Oct. 15. All unlimited ride bands will be only $15 (does not include gate admission). Gate admission will be free on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and Thursday, Oct. 17. There also will be a donation center at the gate for hurricane relief, and fairgoers are urged to donate bottled water, toilet paper, diapers, nonperishable food, and other items to help people in need,” according to a news release.
In addition to rides and food, there will be attractions such as K-9s in Flight, Magic Man TJ Hill, Shane Hansen’s Rock-N-Circus, Johnny Rocket’s Cycle Circus and Bulls, Broncos & Barrels Rodeo.
”We invite you to join us as we come together to support our community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Our dedicated volunteer board is tirelessly organizing food drives, blood drives and animal shelter donation drives throughout the fair to aid those affected by the hurricane,” said Amanda Dennis, the Vice President of Fair Operations at the Western Carolina State Fair Board, in the release.
Several of the fair’s food vendors are running specials and donating portions of proceeds of sales to hurricane relief efforts.
For specials and other information, visit the website here.
“It’s important to remember that the Western Carolina State Fair generates significant revenue for our community. Every dollar earned goes right back into local initiatives, funding more entertainment options and maintaining our facilities for future events,” Dennis said.
The Western Carolina State Fair runs through Oct. 20.
The Merchants Association of Columbia County will present the Columbia County Fair from Oct. 31-Nov. 10 at the fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown
Online ticket sales started Oct. 1. Go here for more information.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
