A beloved staple both for the Statesboro community and visitors from all over, the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair will return Oct. 14–19 for its 62nd year. Held each year at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds, the fair is hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro and features live entertainment; exhibits for arts, crafts and agriculture; carnival-style food and rides; a petting zoo and more!
About the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair
In 1960, the Statesboro chapter of the Kiwanis Club was chartered with 28 members. The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to support community service projects, with a specific focus on helping kids.
From the beginning, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair has served as the main fundraising event for the Statesboro club. Proceeds are used to support a variety of local causes and children’s programs and services, including scholarships for graduating high school seniors, museum trips for elementary school students, wheelchair ramps for local residents, and supplies for kids in foster care, just to name a few.
What to expect
Visitors flock from across the area to experience a world beyond their own at the fair. In addition to live music from artists and bands including The Swingin’ Medallions, The Tams and The Ripleys, there will be live entertainment acts each night, featuring the ever-popular Rosaire's Royal Racers pig races, the Camp Carousel Petting Zoo, The Steamers Thrill Show, Lance Gifford's Magic Theater, Alford E. Gator, and the Wheels of Agriculture Game Show. All shows are free with fair admission.
On top of all that, there’s an exciting midway provided by Amusements of America and plenty of delicious food, from funnel cakes and cotton candy to candied apples and fresh pork skins.
There are also plenty of opportunities for locals to get involved, whether by entering the Miss Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Pageant (held in late September), participating in the community parade downtown — themed "Footloose at the Fair" this year — or submitting arts and crafts, canned goods, produce and baked goods for display in one of many exhibits.
Livestock shows
Each June, Statesboro Kiwanians invite local kids to apply to receive an animal to raise, which they later present at the fair’s livestock shows. Children may receive chicks, lambs, goats or hogs and are expected not only to take care of their animals but also to keep detailed records.
Heritage Village
Kiwanis Club members and their families volunteer to set up the fair each year, working countless hours to ensure its success in giving visitors a fun and thrilling experience. To add to the overall experience, members have created the Heritage Village, which takes visitors back to a simpler time, complete with old-fashioned penny candy, 10-cent Cokes, syrup-making, and the restored 19th century Aldrich House.
The Pancake House
Any local who's visited the fair can attest that a stop at the Pancake House is a must. In fact, many fair-goers have been eating there since they were kids. Operated by Kiwanians, plates of hot pancakes and fresh sausage are served up as a way to raise additional funds for the club. The sweet and savory smells wafting from its open-air building hit you as soon as you enter the fairgrounds!
Whether you’ve been visiting the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair since you were young or you’re new to the area and looking for a fun way to spend an evening, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! For more information, visit kiwanisogeecheefair.com.