PERRY, GA -- The 14th annual, state-sponsored Georgia National Fair, October 3-12, 2003, is a celebration of Georgia's youth, agriculture, and heritage with competitive exhibits, food, midway rides and games, vendors, free family entertainment, free circus, nightly fireworks, and major concerts. The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority is proud to present the 10-day Georgia National Fair. The theme is "Showcasing Tomorrow's Lead- ers." The Fair is well-known for its comprehensive youth competitions and exhibits for 4-H, FFA, FCCLA, and TSA members.

Reaves Arena concerts and entertainment include Brooks & Dunn, October 4; Monster Truck Shows, October 7 and 8; College Night, October 10, with Kinchafoonee Cowboys, Jupiter Coyote, and Laney Strickland Band; and Hootie & the Blowfish, October 11. Tickets go on sale August 23.

"The Georgia National Fair has been educating and entertaining people for the past 13 years," said James E. Sutherland, chairman of the Authority. "I encourage everyone to enter one of the Fair's competitions. A blue ribbon from the Georgia National Fair is a source of great pride and honor," Sutherland added.

The Georgia National Schoolhouse attracts pre-K through high school students from throughout the state to tour the numerous educational exhibits. Students are admitted at no charge. Midday at the Fair is a special recognition of Fair activities of interest to senior citizens. Free entertainment, including a circus performance, is scheduled in the afternoon.

"Fairgoers will be treated to one of the state's best family- oriented entertainment values showcasing education and fun," said Michael A. Froehlich, executive director. "We wish the best of luck to our exhibitors as they compete for the coveted blue ribbon and hope that all participants have a rewarding and memorable experience at the Georgia National Fair," Froehlich said.

Since its beginning in 1990, the Georgia National Fair has won 44 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions due to its extensive livestock and horse events and competitive exhibits and communications programs. The Fair has received six Southeast Tourism Society "Top 20 Event for October" and one "Special Events Directory and Events Business News Top 200 Event" awards. In 2002, the Fair was designated one of Southern Living magazine's "Our Best 202 Things About the South First-Prize Fair."

The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is beautifully landscaped with lakes and fountains and plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the entertainment and view. The Fairgrounds is accessible; wheelchair rentals available at the gates. There is plenty of free parking for vehicles, vans, and motor coaches. Passengers may be dropped off at the gate. Approximately, 1,600 hotel/motel rooms are within a very short drive of the Fairgrounds.

For more information, contact the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter at 800/987-3247 (Georgia only).