PERRY, Ga. — As the Georgia National Fair gears up for its 35th anniversary, organizers are offering a variety of ways for visitors to save amid growing concerns about rising costs.
From the new Mega Pass to special discount days, the fair is trying to ensure it remains affordable for families across the state.
One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of the Mega Pass, which provides visitors with fair admission and unlimited rides for $35. The pass offers a discount of about $15 per person, making it a popular option for families planning a full day at the fair.
“The Mega Pass gives you more bang for your buck, especially for those who want to ride all the attractions,” said Maggie Lane, marketing director for the Georgia National Fair. “It’s important for us to make the fair accessible for everyone, and this is one way we can help.”
Some fairgoers, however, still feel the pinch. Jerrilyn Childers, a Perry resident who has attended the fair with her family for over a decade, said while the discounts help, the overall cost of attending has increased over the years.
“Every year, it seems like the prices go up,” said Childers. “We love the fair, but it’s getting harder to make it work with our budget. That Mega Pass sounds like it helps a little, but it’s still expensive.”
In addition to the Mega Pass, the fair is offering several discount days to help visitors save. Patriotic Day will allow veterans and active military personnel to enter the fair for free, while other discount days for families are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of fair week.
“We really want to honor our military community,” Lane said. “They do so much for us, so we want to give back in any way we can.”
Despite the rising costs, many visitors remain optimistic about the savings. For families like the Childers’, who budget carefully, these deals are essential.
“We always look for the discounts,” Childers said. “It’s the only way we can really make it work, especially with the kids.”
Another Perry fairgoer, Jon Hickman says he feels like it is pricey, but worth it for the amount that is offered.
“We've always enjoyed it. I've been to other state fairs and I've always been very impressed with how clean they keep everything,” Hickman said. “Overall, they have enough for what they charge you. They have opportunities for people who volunteer too, so I plan on doing that.”
The Georgia National Fair runs from Oct. 3 to 13. Children under 10 receive free admission, and there are additional deals on food and beverages during the week. Organizers encourage visitors to buy tickets early and take advantage of the savings to get the most out of their experience.
You can purchase tickets on their website.