Our History

Check out our video about the history of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter!

In The Beginning

The idea for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter came about after visiting the Junior Hog Market Show in Macon in 1983. Representative Larry Walker felt the agricultural youth of Georgia deserved better facilities to show their livestock projects.
Later that same year, GA State Rep. Henry L. Reaves called a meeting of youth, civic and political leaders.
Those in attendance included:
• Rep. Reaves • Rep. Larry Walker • Robert Nash • Jack Smith
• Bobby Rowan • Dr. M.K. Cook
Rep. Reaves was named to head up a task force to determine the feasibility of establishing a new state wide youth and agricultural show facility.
Dr. Cook’s Committee determined that developing such a center was both desirable and practical.
Rep. Reaves, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, estimated the project at $15 million – The completed project actually cost $25 million.

The early stages

In the beginning 18 communities asked to be considered as site for the facility
From Henry County in the north to Tifton & Albany in the south

Perry and Macon were the final two sites considered
Perry won the vote in a 7–2 victory!

Once selected, the City of Perry and Houston County bought 628.1 acres along I-75
They each paid $575,000 for the property and deeded it to the State of Georgia

GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY

On July 1, 1985 legislation passed creating the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority. The Committee was led by Chairman Gene Sutherland and Mr. Foster Rhodes.
The main objectives were:

• To provide a facility for youth organizations to exhibit, learn and compete
• To provide a facility where agricultural organizations could stage presentations, promotions, and exhibits
• To establish a state-owned, statewide agricultural fair
• To develop a facility that would generate revenue and benefit state economy

MISSION STATEMENT

The state of Georgia established the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority to:

Showcase Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness
Promote the agricultural achievements of Georgia’s young people
Provide a center for diverse activities to benefit the state’s economy
Stage and promote a statewide fair to accomplish one or more of the above

Our Vision & Values

Our vision is to constantly earn our reputation as one of the world’s foremost agricultural fairs, and a first-class venue for competitions, conventions, entertainment, exhibitions, expositions, meetings, trade shows, and related events. Everyday, we exemplify our steadfast commitment to excellence in our expertise, efficiency, and quality of service.
Our vision is to lead our industry through innovation; to operate ethically; to satisfy our customer’s expectations with motivated, service-oriented employees to provide a safe, clean, family-oriented environment; and to foster both the personal and professional growth of our people.
We make our customers our focus. We take pride in providing uncompromising customer service to our guests and patrons. We strive constantly to improve productivity and to promote the best interests of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.

THE FIRST FAIR

The first annual Georgia National Fair was October 5-13, 1990.

The theme: Georgia Magic

Reaves Arena concerts that year were:

• Lee Greenwood

• Ray Stephens

• Jerry Clower

• The Temptations
• Billy Joe Royal

• Tanya Tucker

Robinson’s Racing Pigs have been a part of EVERY Fair!

Free Entertainment included:

• Budweiser Clydesdale Horses
• Pattie Cake the Clown
• Bill Clary, Magician & illusionist
• Fred Wynn’s Petting Zoo
• Bert Dierkes, accordionist
• Middle Earth Storytelling Theatre
• Robinson’s Racing Pigs

Ribbons are what it’s all about…

Reithoffer has been our Midway partner from the very beginning!

The Clocktower

Notice anything missing?
The first fair had a clock tower with no clock. During the building process, funds were short so they cut the clocks for the tower.
Thanks to Speaker Murphy and Legislative Budget Officer Robert Hobbs, funds were allocated for the clocks to be added to the tower.