Grice Connect has partnered with the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair to bring this comprehensive, interactive 2024 Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair information guide to you. This guide is designed to give you one place to quickly locate any information you may need about the fair.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ADMISSION and TICKETS/WRISTBANDS NOW!
Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Dates
This year's fair runs from Monday, October 14, to Saturday, October 19, at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 16942 GA-67, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade/Georgia Southern Homecoming Parade
The combined Georgia Southern University Homecoming Parade and Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 beginning at 5pm in downtown Statesboro.
The parade route begins at Morris Bank on Hwy 301 North, continues through downtown Statesboro, then bears left at Fair Road and ends at Wendy’s on Fair Road.
The parade will be live streamed by Grice Connect on Grice Connect's Facebook Page and Grice Connect's You Tube Channel.
Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Hours
- Monday: 6:30pm -12am
- Tuesday: 4pm -12am
- Wednesday: 4pm -12am
- Thursday: 4pm -12am
- Friday: 4pm -1am
- Saturday: 12pm - 12am
(The ticket window will close at 10pm Monday-Thursday & Saturday and 11pm on Friday.)
Admission Ticket Pricing
- $12 Advanced Online Admission
- $15 at the Gate
- Children 5 and under get in FREE!
- Tuesday: Seniors 65 or better-Free Admission
AVOID ADMISSION GATE LINES! GET ADVANCED TICKETS AND GO IMMEDIATELY IN - CLICK HERE to Purchase Single Day Advanced Admission Tickets and save $3.
Express Entry for Advance Ticket Holders
When you purchase the tickets, you will have an option to print a paper ticket, or you can download the ticket electronically to your phone. When you arrive at the fair, you can go directly to the gate and bypass the line to purchase admission tickets.
There is an express entry gate on the side of the fairgrounds for advanced ticket holders. See yellow arrow above.
Cost of Tickets and Wristbands
Wristbands will be offered EVERY night of the fair this year.
Unlimited Rides Wristband Costs:
If purchased by Sunday, October 13, 2024, wristbands are $25!
- Click here to purchase wristbands in advance. Advance-purchase wristbands may be used any night during fair week.
If purchased during fair week, wristbands cost:
- $30 Monday through Friday
- $35 on Saturday
CLICK HERE to purchase online so you will get to the rides faster. You can also purchase inside the fairgrounds.
RIDE CREDITS (PURCHASED ON SITE)
- 10 Credits for $1
- 100 Credits for $10
- 200 Credits for $18
- 550 Credits for $48
- 1130 Credits for $98
Each ride takes 40-75 credits to ride.
Activation fee for funtix card and wristband not included.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL RIDES ALONG WITH HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
Cash and Credit Cards
- Cash or cards can be used for admission.
- Vendors do not take credit cards, so bring cash.
- ATMs are available on site. There may be an additional charge to use an ATM at the fair.
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT
Musical Entertainment | 7 to 10 PM (Free with fair admission!)
MONDAY: The Ripleys
Their slogan “Not your average cover band” is completely appropriate. They cover a little of everything from rock, pop, and top 40. Of course, one of the best parts of a Ripleys show is the fun and shenanigans. If you’ve known Jerry, Rachel and Ashley very long, it’s easy to see how shenanigans might occur.
TUESDAY: A1A
A1A—The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show was born in 1991, initiated by Jeff Pike and Scott Nickerson. In 1992, they won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest, catching the attention of Buffett himself. A1A was the first band to headline the annual Jimmy Buffett 'Meeting of The Minds' Convention, crucial in building the Parrot Head Club community. They appeared in Buffett's MTV video, 'Fruitcakes,' in 1993, and Jeff Pike performed with Buffett in a concert recorded for SiriusXM. Their first live CD, "A1A Live," came out in 1998, followed by "A1A and Friends—Live at Hemingway's" in 2001. Over the years, A1A has played alongside several Coral Reefer Band members and released multiple albums. Their involvement in the 2012 film 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' highlighted their continued relevance. Following Jimmy Buffett's passing in 2023, A1A's dedication to his legacy remains as strong as ever.
WEDNESDAY: The Tams
THE TAMS have been entertaining and thrilling audiences for over 50 years! Known for such hits as "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy", "What Kind of Fool", "I've Been Hurt" and "Untie Me #12 on the R&B Charts", The Tams have had Several Gold Records, and 1 Platinum Single. Though their style of music has historically been referred to as Beach Music which they have had many Beach Music hits, it can be also classified as a mixture of Smooth Soul, and R&B. Their show is fun, fresh and exciting and appeals to audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
THURSDAY: The Swingin' Medallions
The Swingin’ Medallions, a Southern tradition since 1962, are a living definition of the word. The band was made famous by its 1.5 million selling hit album, “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love”, in 1966. It remains the signature song of the band. The song, in fact, continues to demonstrate its timeless quality on radio, television and in motion pictures. “Double Shot” was followed with another hit, “She Drives Me Out of My Mind”, in 1967. In 1969, they released yet another hit, “Hey, Hey Baby”, the song featured at their 2004 Gator Bowl Half-Time Show performance. The band released countless other singles through Capitol and Smash Records.
FRIDAY: Abbey Road Live
Since 2002, Abbey Road LIVE! has been rocking the music of the Beatles at clubs, theaters and festivals. Initially a tribute to the monumental Abbey Road album, the band has expanded its scope to include nearly 150 Beatles tunes, from all eras of the Fab Four’s career. From A Hard Day's Night to Hey Jude to Here Comes The Sun, an Abbey Road LIVE! show will have you singing along all evening along! Abbey Road LIVE! is not your typical Beatle look-alike tribute act; don’t expect mop-top haircuts and vintage Rickenbacker guitars. Rather, this show is about bringing to life some of the more mature and complex Beatles material in a raw & spirited fashion, while remaining true to the original recordings. Combining attention to detail with a creative exuberance, the band always delights its audiences with its diverse repertoire of hits and more obscure favorites.
SATURDAY: Drew Wiggins & Friends
Drew Wiggins is a singer and songwriter from South Georgia who shares his faith, family, and life experiences through his music and lyrics. Drew's music is inspired by his upbringing in the country and his love for storytelling. He blends traditional country and folk music with modern influences to create a unique sound that resonates with audiences of all ages. A member of the Nashville Songwriter's Association International, Drew has been recognized as "One to Watch" on many occasions. In 2019, Drew headlined his first theatre show and performed to a sold-out audience. In 2020, he released "Georgia Boy", this song received radio airplay for months all over Drew's home state, including the major market Atlanta area. Drew has performed at the world-renowned Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, and many other great venues. His latest EP release Back In Time is now available for download.
Variety Shows & Activities
The Steamers Thrill Show
Welcome to the most exciting show you have ever seen! The Steamers Thrill Show is one of a kind experience designed to push you to the limit. In this show, you will see our talented performers in action in eluding the wheel of danger, hula hoops, balancing chairs, Rolla bolls, aerial act and our adorable performing dogs. Each act is more thrilling than the last and we guarantee that you will on the edge of your seat at all times. Don’t miss a single minute of this adrenaline-filled adventure.
Camp Carousel Petting Zoo
Enjoy meeting some furry friends up close! The Camp Carousel Petting Zoo is always a hit with kids and animal lovers of all ages!
Alford E. Gator
Alford E. Gator and his Tiny Swamp House truck will entertain and delight all ages with friendly and lovable antics. Kids approach the puppet truck and carry on conversations with Alford while the parents try to comprehend how it works. This furry and friendly gator and his truck will be driving around, delighting kids and families.
Wheels of Agriculture
The Wheels of Agriculture is an audience interactive game show which takes place on a stage. The format is trivia based game play in which the person who can answer a randomly selected question gains points. The questions are primarily agricultural based and include topics such as: Local Agriculture, Animals, Plants, Food Groups, Farm and barnyard, music and other sounds.
Lance Gifford's Magic Theater
Lance Gifford provides so much more that just amazing magic shows and spell binding hypnosis shows. Lance travels with his own stage! This stage is quite the sight on your midway, it is a whopping 53' x 26', completely self contained with professional sound and lighting. When you book Lance you also get the stage for free!
ROSAIRES Royal Racers
Rosaire's Royal Racers is a family owned and operated company, performing for audiences across the nation! It's a free show for all the patrons at your event. Featuring three different breeds of pigs at each and every 20-30 minute show throughout the day!
Livestock Shows
- Hog Show: Tuesday, October 15, 6pm
- Goat Show: Wednesday, October 16, 6pm
- Lamb Show: Thursday, October 17, 6pm
- Cow Show: Saturday, October 19, 1pm
Contest Participants
Contest participants can click here to learn more about check in times and to register online to compete. Check-ins for most are Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15. Click here to learn more.
Heritage Village
Tucked behind the bright lights of the midway, the Heritage Village at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds offers fairgoers a chance to walk back in time and visit our agricultural past as a community.
The Old Store
Visit the ‘Old Store” where members Carlton and Mike Bowen offer old fashioned penny candy and 10 cent Cokes (now $1). Bottle Souvenir Georgia Bulldog Cokes $1.50 (with peanuts, $2). This year they may also have old fashioned Moon Pies, Cracker Jacks, Whole Pickles, Animal Crackers...and our famous chocolate chip cookies -- 2 for a quarter. With wooden floors and shelves stocked with canned goods that were once staples in every household, “Ole Timers” can reminisce about their youth with grandkids.
The Bee House
You’ll also find our newly renovated Bee House in Heritage Village. Bobby Colson and the Bee Keepers Association educate our patrons on the benefit and joys of bee-keeping.
The Poultry Barn
Also in Heritage Village is the Chicken (Poultry) Barn. You’ll hear it referred to as either! There you will find flocks of chickens awarded to local young people to raise and show. They are part of the Kiwanis Livestock & Poultry Project.
You’ll also find:
- Blacksmith Shop
- Aldrich House
- Corn meal grinding
- Syrup making
Traffic and Parking
The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office is tasked with directing traffic at the entrance to the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair.
This is not an easy task, with the only entrance and exit being off of State Route 67.
In an effort to help this process, BCSO are once again sharing the following information and asking for patience and understanding during what we expect to be a busy week.
Commuters Avoid Fair Road between 5 PM and 10 PM daily
If you are commuting and have no plans to attend the fair, we ask that you find an alternate route during fair week. Possible alternate routes include Harville Rd., Pretoria Rushing / Rushing Rd., US Hwy 80 East, and US Hwy 301 South. Please try to avoid this area during peak afternoon hours from 5PM-10PM or expect possible extended wait times.
Fair Attendees Traffic and Parking Information
For those attending the fair, if you are leaving Statesboro, once you pass the intersection at Harville Rd and approach the fairgrounds, BOTH the center turn lane and the left lane will be used to access the fair. Please use either lane as they will run simultaneously into the parking lot.
The right lane will be used for thru traffic going southbound. Unfortunately, if you are traveling towards Statesboro, there is only a single lane at the entrance to the fair and you will be at the mercy of the amount of traffic present.
With the vast amount of traffic coming from Statesboro, northbound traffic will have longer wait times so as to not back traffic up into Statesboro causing traffic issues at the bypass.
The Sheriff’s Office will assist with traffic exiting the fairground parking when the fair closes. Orange traffic cones will divide the northbound lanes, and fair traffic will utilize the right lane to exit while thru traffic will be forced into the left lane via the traffic cones.
As you approach the fairgrounds from the south, please slow down and watch for Deputies and pedestrians. The properties across State Route 67 from the fairgrounds are private property and those property owners are not allowing parking for those attending the fair. Shown are aerial photos depicting the entrance and exit as described above.
Sheriff Noel Brown thanks you for your cooperation.
2024 Miss Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Pageant
The 2024 Miss Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Pageant took place at 10am on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Pittman Park Education Center (1102 Fair Road, Statesboro, Georgia). It was rescheduled from September, 28 due to Hurricane Helene.
Winners will be posted soon!
Smoking Policy
NO SMOKING at the fairgrounds. This applies to participants, vendors, and fair workers.
ANYONE CAUGHT SMOKING WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
Fair Media Coverage
Check here for GC news stories about the fair.
Grice Connect Fair Live Stream
Grice Connect has partnered with the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair to live stream the parade in its entirety on Grice Connect's Facebook Page and Youtube Channel. Grice Connect's DeWayne Grice and Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Team member Lisa Turner will be the announcers for the parade.
A special thanks to Bulloch Solutions and Jorge Araque for providing technical support and internet access and to Frills by Scott for hosting us on Main and Main in Downtown Statesboro.
