Annual fund raisers underway

Friday night lights beam over high school football fields across the nation, bands perform for cheering crowds, evenings cool and backyard fires blaze: autumn officially arrives this weekend, and the evidence is all around.

What would fall be without the traditional local fairs full of food, exhibits and rides for the whole family? After a host of events held early in the fall, Fayette and Coweta county residents still have several annual events to look forward to, including both the Fayette County Kiwanis Fair and the 2007 Coweta County Fair, sponsored by the Newnan Kiwanis Club, Inc.

The 56th annual Fayette County Kiwanis Fair, which kicked off Sept. 20 will run through Sept. 29 at the old Kiwanis Fair Complex located at 939 Goza Road in Fayetteville. This is the last year the fair will be held at this location since the grounds were sold to the Fayette County School System last year. Fair coordinator Geneva Weaver said they hope to continue the fair tradition in coming years provided they find a new location.

As always, the Kiwanis Club is focusing on the Fayette County community by planning a fair that will cater to the approximately 30,000 attendees who will come from Fayette County as well as the surrounding region.

While keeping the traditional favorites, fair goers can also expect a few new things: the midway rides will include a few new attractions for those in attendance this year.

“This year’s fair will be bigger and better than last year,” said Weaver. One reason for this expected growth is the plan to distribute 200,000 discount tickets at local retail locations all over Fayette County. The discounts will apply to both gate admission as well as ride armbands.

Student nights are Sept. 25 and Sept. 27 when Fayette County students can get in for free with a student ID.

The Kiwanis Club of Fayette County was founded on September 21, 1951. Over 50 years ago, members began the tradition of hosting special events such as the fair and contributing funds raised to charitable organizations and the Fayette County community. All proceeds from the Fayette County Fair are donated back to the community, and this is the club’s only major fund raiser of the year.

Fair hours are weeknights from 6 to 10 p.m. and weekends from noon to 10 p.m. Gate admission is free for those 4 and under, $2 for those ages 5-11, $5 for those ages 12-64 and $2 for those 65 and up. Armbands for fair rides will cost $15 each day.

For more information about the fair or the Kiwanis Club, or to request sponsorship information, contact Weaver at 770-461-0014.

Not to be left out, Coweta County’s annual fair, sponsored by the Newnan Kiwanis Club, Inc., opened Sept. 20 and will continue through Sept. 29 at the Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan, Ga.

This year’s fair, expanded from five days of fun to a super-sized ten day affair, boasts new attractions and performers along with all of the old favorites.

New attractions and performers on select days include The Riverboat Marionettes, A Storyland Tale and Animal Magic, a magic and hypnotism show featuring animals. Also a Military Vehicle display will be held Sept. 26-28 and an Antique Tractor Show will take place Sunday, Sept. 29. The Junior Commercial Dairy Heifer Show will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.

As always midway rides will entertain those looking for a thrill.

The Newnan Kiwanis Club, originated by Dr. Thomas Bailey and sponsored by the Atlanta Kiwanis Club in 1925, has sponsored the Coweta County Fair every year but once since 1947. Through its profits they have funded numerous projects throughout the city and county including the sponsorships of Key Clubs, Builders Club, K-Kids, Aktion Club, 4-H clubs, Scout troops, and little league and soccer teams. All proceeds raised from the annual fair are put directly back to work in the community. The Coweta County Fair is the only source of income the Newnan Kiwanis Club has to financially support many local organizations, all of whom have the common purpose of improving the lives of citizens in and around Coweta County.

Patriot Night will be held on Friday, Sept. 28, when the fair is open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Military personnel with ID will be admitted free of charge. The night’s events include the Military Vehicle display, a virtual hunting and fishing exhibit, showboat marionettes, a cookie decorating contest at 6 p.m., a K-9 demonstration and an Urban Jam at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, the fair will be open from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday’s events include a Master Gardener demo, model airplanes, an antique tractors display, a 4-H horse exhibit, Harold Seay & the Boogie Shoes Band and more.

Admission is $5 at the gate (children under 6 get in free with a paying adult). Unlimited ride armbands are $20 and are good between 12 and 5 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about the fair, including a complete schedule of events, or the Newnan Kiwanis Club, visit www.cowetacountyfair.org.

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