The Interview: Scott Cortner
From Staff Reports
As the start of the 2025 Kiwanis Coweta County Fair nears, The Paper asked this year’s chairman Scott Cortner about what to expect when the 11-day run on the midway begins Sept. 18.
What is the role of the Fair Chairman?
Coordinate all aspects of the Fair to include administration, operations, amusements, exhibits, contests, entertainment, programming, advertising and sponsorship. All of that is done through various committees whose members volunteer countless hours to ensure we have an entertaining, family-focused County Fair.
Why does the Kiwanis sponsor the fair?
Kiwanis’ mission is to “Serve the Children of the World” The Fair provides children and their families an opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun, entertaining, and wholesome environment while also providing us the opportunity to give back to the community through grants from the proceeds of the Fair.
What’s new this year, as in rides or attractions?
We’re thrilled to welcome Primetime Carnival back as our Midway provider, featuring a variety of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, kiddie rides, and delicious food options. Primetime does a great job of providing a wide variety of rides for all ages.
For this year’s fair, the plan is to have one or two newer rides, including a roller coaster. As for entertainment and attractions, we will be featuring the McIntyre Circus, (a crowd favorite high-wire act), a Diaper Derby, Pumpkin Decorating and Gingerbread House Decorating Contests, our annual Beauty Pageant, live Music and free Inflatables, Games and Crafts in “Harvestland”. Dates and times for all entertainment, contests, etc can be found on our website: cowetacountyfair.net.
What are some of the big “crowd pleasers” you’ve noticed over the years?
The Lumberjack and Lumberjill competitions, the farm animals, the “princesses” and “characters,” the inflatables and games in Harvestland, and the variety of food.
How much money has the Kiwanis Club put back into the community?
Over $5.5 million in the last 20-plus years, focused on charitable organizations geared towards improving the lives of children throughout Coweta County.
What would be the perfect fair?
Perfect fall weather with no rain and our normal well-behaved crowds.
What do you enjoy the most during the fair?
Seeing the joy and wonder in the faces of the children. Most rewarding is hosting the Special Needs Children from the Coweta County School System. It is an event Kiwanians try not to miss.
What do you wish more people would do at the fair?
Visit the Exhibit Hall. Each year, there are some fantastic pieces of arts and crafts.
What do you do if you lose your phone, a parent, or have some other question?
Check in at the Information Booth (otherwise known as the “Fruit Stand”). Or contact us through our Facebook Page.
What is the best deal?
Definitely the Mega Pass. It saves you up to $10 on Friday and Saturday and can save you time in line on other days. Mega Passes are on sale now through September 17th at cowetacountyfair.net or in person at Keith Ross Agency, Coweta County Extension Office, Arnall Grocery and Summit Family YMCA.
What day is the best day to attend the fair?
I think Sunday’s are best. We are open Sunday’s from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Crowds are usually light. If Sunday doesn’t work for you, then the best times would be Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday when we have sponsors offering free entry, which saves you up to $10 per person.
Anything else you want to add?
Once again, I need to thank the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, county officials who support our efforts each year, various county departments that prep the fairgrounds and are on-site throughout the fair to address any maintenance issues that arise, our sponsors who help keep the costs down and the numerous volunteers that make this event possible. We think we have another great event planned for this year and look forward to greeting and entertaining record crowds.
