Event expected to attract thousands for rides, shows
Proceeds will benefit charities
The Columbia County fall fair is only a few months away, and organizers are accepting applications for business exhibit booths in the main building.
George Sleister, a fair organizer with the Merchants Association of Columbia County, said the building offers 27 10-foot-by-10-foot business exhibit booths in the main building. The booths cost $250 each for the duration of the fair, Nov. 2-11 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds on Columbia Road.
"We offer it to anybody who wants to come in and set up something," Sleister said, adding that non-manned display booths are acceptable. "It covers every avenue. It's really mainly for small-business-type people or some new business who has just come to Columbia County or is new to the area that wants to show someone what he or she sells. And you have a nice display. You can be there or not be there."
No food can be sold in the main building. Sleister said he's already gotten commitments from 10 or 12 vendors. Those interested should contact Sleister at (706) 855-9400 or Billy Becton at (706) 863-7645 for an application.
"We've got some growing pains," Sleister said. "We're going to have to build another building before too much longer."
The fair attracts thousands of people each fall, and proceeds benefit charities the Merchants Association supports, including Camp Rainbow, the Children's Miracle Network and Columbia County Cares. The funds also support the Merchants' annual scholarships to students at each of the county's four public high schools.
For the fourth year, Drew Exposition will provide the fair midway. Sleister said fairgoers who are not interested in rides can enjoy the petting zoo, a returning bear show and a new international dog show.
"They tour worldwide and they are really, really good,' Sleister said of the new attraction. "When somebody comes in and buys a general admission ticket, if they don't want to ride and ride, they are going to be able to do other things and see other things and have their money's worth."