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About Us

Our History

In 1950 the Exchange Club of Savannah under the leadership of the Savannah Exchange Club Fair Association held their first fair, known as the Coastal Empire Fair. The main emphases of the fair were to develop interest with in the Exchange Club, enhance the opportunities for the growth of 4H and FFA programs, and fund the Jefferson Athletic Club. The Jefferson Athletic Club was started as an afternoon recreation site for boys. Its founder was Victor B. Jenkins, a young lawyer and member of the Exchange Club. He offered his parent’s garage as a meeting place where boys could enjoy sports. Since that time, the Club and Fair Association have donated millions of dollars to several charities as well as the Jenkins Athletic Club, that impact youth in the Savannah area in a positive way. Also, the Fair Association and Exchange Club have supported numerous groups such as Senior Citizens, Salvation Army, the Union Mission, Crime Stoppers, the Fresh Air Home and many others. Another true highlight of the Fair is the Sunshine Special, when 400-500 disadvantage children and young adults are treated to a morning at the fair. All rides, entertainment and food are free to the participants.

The Exchange Club of Savannah is a member of the National Exchange Club

Founded in 1911 the goal of Exchange was to “exchange” ideas among businessmen in the community. The volunteer efforts of Exchange Club members have supported the needs of the country and of local communities. With 650 clubs and over 20,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, Exchange is the country’s oldest service organization operating exclusively in the United States. Exchange sponsors activities designed to benefit, award and develop our nation’s youth, promote crime prevention, serve senior citizens and recognize military and public safety service providers. Exchange also promotes Americanism programs, and its national project is the prevention of child abuse.

OUR STAFF

The Exchange Club Fair Association board of directors consists of 19 officers and directors who serve without compensation. Directors are elected from the membership of the Exchange Club of Savannah.

The Board of Directors provides oversight and management of the annual fair. Meetings are led on a monthly basis.

The Current Board of Directors:

  • President – Cary Johnson
  • Vice President – Walter Day
  • Immediate Past President – Larry Reed
  • Treasurer – Michael Lariscy
  • Secretary – Bill Gardner
  • Director of Operations – Chris Hafer

Directors:

Ed Derst, Chris Andrews, Joe Roberts, Dave Peck, Michael Flynn, Gardener, Jack Rodenberry, Lum Purvis, Jason Ford, Mike Flynn, Joe Kerr, Jill Ciechanowski

Ex Officio:

All past presidents of the Fair Association

2023 South Georgia State Fair Food

Cotton Candy Stand (pop corn, apples, nachos, sno cones, caramel corn) Funnel Cake (fried oreos) Lemonade Stand Pizza Stand Corn Dog Stand Chicken and French Fry Stand Turkey Leg Stand Dole Pineapple Whip Stand Slushie Stand

Height Requirements by Ride

Ride Name

Tickets Needed

Height Requirements

1001 Nachts

12

48" to ride

Carousel

12

42" alone

Century Wheel

15

Under 54" with adult - no single riders

Cliffhanger

12

46" to ride

Construction Zone

9

36" minimum - 54" maximum

Family Swinger

9

36" to ride

Fun House

9

42" alone

Go Gator

9

36" minimum - 54" maximum

Hampton Combo

9

36" minimum - 54" maximum

Hampton Combo

9

36" minimum - 54" maximum

Love Bug

9

36" minimum / 48" alone

Matterhorn

15

48"-52" with adult

Mississippi Train

9

36" alone

Monkey Maze

12

42" to ride

Motorcycles

9

36" minimum - 54" maximum

Orient Express

12

48" alone

Pharaoh's Fury

12

48" to ride

Pirate Island

9

42" alone

Puppies

9

42" alone

Scooter

12

42" minimum - 48" to drive

Sizzler

12

42" w/adult - 52" Alone

Speed

18

56" minimum - 75" maximum

Starship

12

42" to ride

State Fair Slide

12

42" alone

Submarine

9

36" with adult - 42" alone

Tilt-a-Whirl

12

46" alone

Vertigo

15

48" to ride

Wacky Worm

12

36" with adult - 42" alone

Wet Boats

9

36" minimum - 48" maximum

Zipper

12

52" to ride

Jurassic Kingdom

October 26 - October 31

Rosaire's Royal Racers

October 26 - October 31

Magic Marc

October 26 - November 5

Master of the Chainsaw

October 26 - November 5

5 Star Petting Zoo

October 26 - November 5

Stingray Encounter

November 1 - November 5