Bland Farms, Vidalia onion featured at Great American State Fair on National Mall

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Great American State Fair on the National Mall concluded its 16-day run featuring exhibits from all 50 states and territories, with Georgia represented by Chick-fil-A, Waffle House and Glennville-based Bland Farms, home of the Vidalia sweet onion.

Bland Farms was selected as one of five exhibits chosen to represent Georgia at the event.

“We built a booth that was very unique and attractive — we had a lot of fun with it,” said Delbert Bland, owner of Bland Farms.

Georgia touts business, homegrown brands

Georgia Deputy Chief Operating Officer Amy Loke said the state used the fair to highlight its economic standing.

“We have an incredible economy. We are the number one state for business,” Loke said.

Bland said the response from fairgoers was immediate.

“What got me was the excitement in the air,” Bland said. “Just watching these people and how they reacted — and then they find out they have a sweet onion that they can eat like an apple.”

Vidalia onion legally tied to Georgia

Bland Farms describes itself as the largest grower, packer and shipper of Vidalia sweet onions. Loke noted the onion’s protected legal status.

“Vidalia onions can actually legally only be grown in 20 counties in Georgia in order to be classified as Vidalia onion,” Loke said.

Fairgoer Regina Furman of Philadelphia said the event expanded her knowledge of individual states.

“I thought that I knew a lot about each state, but I’m finding out I really don’t,” Furman said.

Bland reflected on the competitive nature of the industry.

“You might be going in the right direction but if you don’t keep moving — you’ll get run over in this world today,” Bland said.