Carnival & Fair News

The Southwest Georgia Regional Fair in Albany, Georgia, came out swinging both literally and figuratively this year, as a towering wave swinger ride drew crowds to the carnival midway and strong attendance filled the fairgrounds throughout Halloween weekend.

Fair organizers called the 2025 event “a huge success,” noting that “Every ride, every laugh, every funnel cake helped fuel the Exchange Club of Albany's largest fundraiser of the year, supporting nonprofits that make a difference across our region.” The fair supports the Exchange Club's four pillars: Americanism, Community Service, Youth Development, and the Prevention of Child Abuse, with the goal of making a difference one fair memory at a time.

Fair coordinator Ralph Paustian welcomed a large crowd once again. While final attendance figures were not yet available, recent years have typically drawn between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors, and this year appeared to fall on the higher end of that range. The 2025 fair was also notable as a milestone year, with longtime fair president Larry Griffin planning to retire after 49 years of service to the volunteer organization.

Paustian emphasized the Exchange Club's commitment to the charitable causes supported by proceeds from the fair, which serves as the club's primary fundraiser. “We keep going,” Paustian said. “After the upkeep of our property, the proceeds go to prevent child abuse and to other organizations we support.” Beneficiaries include The Anchorage, a substance abuse recovery center, and the Lord's Pantry food bank.

The fair also received special recognition this year from Easter Seals of Southern Georgia, which created a 2025 Christmas ornament honoring the event and its long-standing support of charitable initiatives.

Now in its 77th year, the fair ran from October 28 through November 2, offering the region a spooktacular Halloween weekend filled with carnival rides, classic fair foods, a Demolition Derby, and livestock competitions. Longtime carnival provider James E. Strates Shows brought more rides than ever to the fairgrounds. Strates Shows has supplied the midway since 1959, making its partnership with the Exchange Club one of the longest-running fair collaborations in the United States.



Much has changed since the fair's beginnings in 1948, when it was held at the Albany Airport and featured pig-calling contests, country horse racing, and livestock exhibits. Over the decades, the event has expanded significantly while maintaining its hometown feel. Today's fair includes antique vehicle displays, local scarecrow and pumpkin exhibits, floriculture displays, and 4-H and FFA school projects. Newer attractions such as pony rides, a mechanical bull, and a petting zoo, complete with a kangaroo, add to the variety.

Fair food remained a major draw, with offerings ranging from giant turkey legs and roasted corn to hot dogs, corn dogs, funnel cakes with an array of toppings, cotton candy, pizza, nachos, elephant ears, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The Orlando-based Strates Shows midway delivered a full slate of attractions, including the Giant Wheel, which offered sweeping views of the fairgrounds and dazzling LED lights after dark. Younger guests enjoyed kiddie rides such as the cars and Dumbo ride, while the newly redesigned Haunted Mansion dark ride featured eerie new imagery by Color Image Designs. Thrill-seekers gravitated toward popular attractions like the Fire Ball and Rock Star.

Additional rides included the Wave Swinger, Zipper, Music Express, KMG Fireball, and the classic Venetian Double Carousel, all of which proved popular with fairgoers. Live music from local musicians added to the festive midway atmosphere throughout the event.

Beyond the carnival, the fair's livestock shows featuring swine, goats, sheep, and cattle remained a major attraction, along with the annual Demolition Derby, the fair's premier event. Younger participants joined the action with a kids' derby featuring six- and twelve-volt Power Wheels vehicles.

Affordability continued to be a highlight for attendees. Gate admission was $10 for adults and children 42 inches and taller, $8 for seniors and younger children, and free for toddlers in strollers. Veterans and active-duty military personnel received free admission every day of the fair. Unlimited ride wristbands were priced at $25 Tuesday through Friday and $30 on weekends, while a $25 presale Mega Pass included both gate admission and a wristband for one day of the buyer's choice.

Special promotions ran throughout the fair, including Tuesday Date Night admission for two adults at $10 and Wednesday's Carload Night, which allowed up to six people per vehicle to enter for $60 with six ride wristbands included. A pre-Halloween fun night on October 30 allowed children in costume, when accompanied by a parent, to enter free between 5 and 7 p.m. Admission to the Demolition Derby was free with gate admission on Saturday. On closing Sunday, guests received $5 off admission with a church bulletin.

The fair's name reflects its growth. Known for decades as the Exchange Club Fair, it was renamed the Southwest Georgia Regional Fair seven years ago to better represent its strong draw from across southern Georgia, a change that continues to ring true.