The Ellijay Lions Club is glad to announce that the Gilmer County Fair will be coming back to town this year following a cancellation of the popular summer event in 2020 due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s fair will take place Aug. 10-15 at the Lions Club Fairgrounds on South Main Street. The ride vendor will be Peachtree Rides, which has provided midways for the past several county fairs, confirmed Sam Burrell, Ellijay Lions Club president.
“We’ve talked with the (ride company) owner and he’s indicated to us that they will use sanitizing. They are prepared for it the best that they can, and we are comfortable with that,” said Burrell.
“We will be having it on a Sunday, too. The last time we had the fair, in 2019, was the first time we tried doing it on a Sunday, and it did very well,” he added.
Along with the Apple Festival, the county fair is one of two big annual fundraisers for the local Lions Club, with the other being the Georgia Apple Festival. Both events will return this year.
“We’ve still got a couple of months, but things are easing up now. We’re on line for the Apple Festival, as well as the fair, so we’re feeling real good with that,” Burrell said. “We’re working hard trying to get things going.”
The fair will also feature an array of exhibits and displays that can be viewed in the Lions Club Barn, Burrell noted. Event times have yet to be announced.
“We recommend to wear a mask. It’s not mandatory, but, if you feel uncomfortable, please do that,” said Burrell.