It’s nearing time to celebrate the annual Northwest Georgia Regional Fair and the many volunteers are pulling out all the stops to make it a really big show for the entire family.

As the volunteers prepare for this popular big event the atmosphere in the area is one of excitement! The nine-day Fair kicks off Friday September 7 and runs through Saturday September 15 with gates opening every night at 5 p.m.

Many are registering and preparing for the pageant competitions and fashion shows, others are putting final touches on items to enter into the many blue ribbon competitions. Many others are deciding which nights they will take their kids to enjoy the rides and attractions.

Since the inception of county, regional and state fairs there have been many changes of government, wars, depressions and countless changes in the way people live...but some things have remained constant.

Farmers, craftspeople and communities have been gathering together over the years in an annual celebration of all that they do; maintaining their crops, tending to their flocks, seeking out an existence that is not always easy but is always fulfilling and based on the good values of family and hard work.

This is what a traditional fair is all about. A fair provides the opportunity to mix heritage, agriculture, talent, entertainment, family pride and thrills all together.

To make this Northwest Georgia Regional Fair one to remember the volunteer committee has been working hard to prepare for the best fair ever.

They have been putting emphasis on improvements such as painting, planting flowers, new electrical services for vendors and preparing the grounds to accommodate the thousands who come out and enjoy tradition.

The reward for all of the community volunteers who coordinate the fair is simple, just to see the children smiling as they experience things of the past and enjoy the thrills of a family focused agricultural fair.

Of course the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair is also about family fun, with midway rides, music, dancers, clowns, magicians, petting zoos, games, food and even bingo on site. This years event will also feature the world’s largest slide for the thrill seekers to enjoy. The fair is also about serious agricultural and livestock competitions with events and judging taking place in many categories throughout the nine day event.

Main headliners for this year’s fair concerts include the World Famous Chuckwagon Gang, one of the nation’s top bluegrass groups Lakeside Bluegrass, an Elvis Tribute Show, local favorites such as the North Georgia Ramblers, Perfekt Peace, Chloe Litton, Josh Owens, Southern Dawn, Kingston Bluegrass, Dixie Fire Cloggers, Cherokee Promenaders, Choo Choo Cloggers, Expressions Dancers, Renegade Dancers and some of the best bluegrass music you will hear in these parts.

Performances throughout the week by high school bands and chorus groups as well as cloggers, square dancers, dance studio performances and many other exciting acts.

You can also meet Barney of Mayberry who will entertain and delight you with his antics and likable portrayal of Deputy Barney Fife from the Andy Griffith Show.

Exhibitors, vendors and competitors can obtain information and register online at www.nwgafair.com . Look in this paper for the annual Fair Magazine for all the details.

Get to the grounds early as there is always long traffic lines heading to the fair grounds. The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair takes place at the Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds located on the Rome Road just ½ mile west of the Highway 53 Spur/Highway 53 intersection. If you can’t find it, just stop and ask, because everyone is talking about the big fair.