PERRY, Ga. — The Georgia National Fair kicked off its opening day on Thursday to welcome families across the Central Georgia area.
From gator tails to sweet stops, and giant slides to thrill rides, vendors, performers, and guests of all ages showed out to celebrate the fair's 35th anniversary.
For returning vendors like Ronald Richardson from Jonesboro, better known as "Uncle Grump," this is just his second year at the fair selling his homemade barbecue sauce.
"The variety of activities ... great music, great activity, and it promotes the state of Georgia, one of the greatest states," Richardson said.
But fair regulars like Star and Richard from Stilt Circus are marking one decade of spreading their message to fairgoers: things are always looking up.
"My favorite part of the fair is the southern charm and the southern hospitality," Star said. "All the little girls in their bloomers and how they hug our stilts."
Stilt Circus is based in Florida, but Richard says their team is traveling nine months out of the year.
"We've been on the road since the end of June all the way to the west coast. Up in the mountains, the beach ... so it's been a long time but such great memories with everybody," Richard said.
For newcomers still awaiting a visit to the fairgrounds, Uncle Grump has one message:
"Please come out, and bring the kids with you also," Richardson said. "I guarantee you, there's something here for everybody. Young ones, old ones, middle age ... This my second year, but by the grace of god, I'll be back again."
The fair will be open through Sunday, October 13th and is located at 401 Golden Isles Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates onsite.