Coweta County Fair fast approaching; more than just rides and flavors

By BILL HAMMOND, Coweta 4-H Extension Agent

Summer is in full swing, and anticipation is building as the 2023 Kiwanis Coweta County Fair draws near!

This is one of Coweta’s favorite annual events and is set for September 14th to 24th. Folks need to prepare themselves for 11 days worth of unforgettable experiences filled with thrills, delectable food, captivating music, and boundless excitement. But hold on tight because there’s so much more to this fair than meets the eye.

Did you know that the fair hosts a variety of engaging livestock shows and competitions for all ages to participate in? Whether you’re a child or an adult, you’ll find a contest tailored just for you. 

Let your inner Lumberjack or Lumberjill emerge in nail driving, crosscut, pulpwood toss, and pole climbing events, competing for the coveted Lumberjack/Lumberjill of the Year trophy and additional prize money.

Young ones in Pre-K through 7th grade can showcase their artistic flair in the Gingerbread House Decorating contest, provided with all the necessary supplies to create their most beautiful masterpiece in just thirty minutes. The winning gingerbread houses will be proudly displayed at the fair for all to admire. 

Celebrate your happiest birthday by participating in the Youth Creative Birthday Cake Decorating contest, where you’ll bring your own baked cake and frosting supplies and transform them into a creatively designed birthday cake within an hour. Judges will evaluate your cake based on design, technique, appearance, and use of materials.

For school-age children up to seventh grade, the opportunity to decorate a Cookie Bouquet awaits, with supplies provided for them to craft a tasty bouquet to showcase. Youth have thirty minutes to bring their decorating skills to life without assistance from older siblings or parents. 

Additionally, the fair features a wide range of exhibit categories for everyone to enter. Whether you’re an artist, a quilter, a sculptor, a baker, or a green thumb, there’s a category waiting for your talent to be displayed throughout the entire fair. Showcase your creativity in areas such as canned food, handicrafts, horticulture, crops, and more. Not only can you win prize money, but also the satisfaction of having your work admired by fellow fairgoers.

Let’s not forget about the animals! Witness or participate in the thrilling livestock shows featuring dairy cows, poultry, rabbits, horses, goats, and more. Be sure to catch the K-9 show or take a leisurely stroll through the animal exhibits, where you can admire an array of farm animals, from goats and sheep to ponies and cows, all on display thanks to the dedicated efforts of 4-H youth and volunteers.

At its heart, the Coweta County Fair symbolizes more than just exhilarating rides and tantalizing flavors. It stands as a cherished celebration of community, uniting neighbors and friends in honor of shared traditions and the creation of lasting memories. The laughter of children experiencing the fair for the first time intertwines with the nostalgia in the eyes of older generations, evoking fond memories of fairs past.

This time-honored agricultural fair showcases the talents, creativity, and diversity of our community. Whether you seek adventure, delectable food, or simply a chance to connect with your neighbors, mark your calendars and bring your loved ones along to immerse yourselves in this beloved tradition.

You can find more information about the Kiwanis Coweta County Fair at www.cowetacountyfair.net. Detailed instructions on how to enter the exhibits and contests will be made available by August so check the website for more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Coweta County Extension Office at 770-254-2620.

Photo credit: Kiwanis Coweta County Fair Facebook Page.