After deadly Six Flags incident, Effingham County Fair addresses ride safety
SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The Effingham County Fair is underway, featuring livestock shows, locally grown farm products and 4-H exhibits alongside rides and attractions.
The 2026 fair’s theme celebrates 250 years of freedom and farming.
Fair showcases agriculture and family activities
The fair includes livestock shows, locally grown farm products and 4-H exhibits showcasing the work of young people across the county.
Ramona Kessler has volunteered at the fair for nearly 52 years. She serves as secretary-treasurer of the Effingham Fair Association.
“Not only are the rides adapted to all the different ages here but we also have the displays,” Kessler said. “The 4H mini booths are a big draw because the fourth, fifth, up to twelfth graders get to do those. So grandma and grandpa like to come out to see what the projects are.”
Ride safety addressed after Six Flags incident
The fair’s ride safety is in focus following a deadly roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia.
“The rides are inspected,” Kessler said. “And so, our powers and Thomas is our amusement partner, they work very hard to make sure the kids are safe. It’s the state that actually comes in to do our rides inspection. The state has a ride inspection process that they go through.”
Theme highlights county’s agricultural roots
This year’s theme focuses on the farmers and families who have shaped the Effingham County community.
“I don’t think that a lot of our community knows where their food actually comes from,” Kessler said. “And that’s very important as a farmer’s wife for me but also just for the general public for them to see that their food doesn’t come from a can. It comes from the land.”
The fair runs through Oct. 24.
If you go
Admission is $10 for ages 6 and up. Admission is free for children age 5 and under and for active and retired military with ID.
The fair has a clear bag policy.
The petting zoo is open daily.
For information, call (912) 392-3247 or (912) 392-FAIR.
Gate hours according to their website:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 5–11 p.m. |
| Saturday | 1–11 p.m. |
| Sunday | 2–8 p.m. |
| Monday | 5–11 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 5–11 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 5–11 p.m. |
| Thursday | 5–11 p.m. |
Daily schedule:
- Thursday, Oct. 15 — All-you-can-ride $27 open-close. Entertainment 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 16 — All-you-can-ride $27 open-close. Entertainment 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 17 — All-you-can-ride $27 open-close. Entertainment 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 18 — All-you-can-ride $27 open-close. Entertainment 3 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 19 — All-you-can-ride $27. Gates open “Preview Night” (no gate charge) 5 p.m. Fair parade 5 p.m. Entertainment 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 — Old Fashion Night. All-you-can-ride $22. Gates open 5 p.m. Goat show 7 p.m. Entertainment 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21 — All-you-can-ride $27. Gates open 5 p.m. Swine show 7 p.m. Entertainment 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 22 — Old Fashion Night. All-you-can-ride $22. Gates open 5 p.m. Lamb & cattle show 7 p.m. Entertainment 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 23 — All-you-can-ride $27. Gates open 5 p.m. Rabbit show 7 p.m. Entertainment 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 24 — All-you-can-ride $27. Gates open 1 p.m. Beauty pageant: birth to 6 years, first segment 3 p.m.; ages 7 to 23 begin after a short break.
*All-you-can-ride prices include a $2 armband activation fee.
**Stage events are held at the main entrance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE.
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