A new economic impact study prepared by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government touts big numbers for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. According to the study based on figures from 2022, Fairground’s activities were responsible for 133-million-dollars of goods and services produced in the state of Georgia’s economy. In Houston County alone, it was responsible for over 35-million-dollars in goods and services.
The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is a state operated authority responsible for hosting the Georgia National Fair each October which draws an average of 500,000 visitors from across the Southeast. Of the Fairground’s 133-million-dollar economic impact, almost 34-million is generated by the Fair alone. The remainder is generated from the facilities event rental operations, predominantly in the livestock field.
As one of the foremost livestock venues in the nation, the Georgia National Fairgrounds and surrounding lodging provide the temporary home for participants competing in national and international livestock shows such as the National Barrel Horse Youth World Championships and National Junior High Rodeo Finals. These two shows alone drew a combined 93,000 visitors to the area in 2022, many from outside of the state. Georgia ranks 5th in the nation for domestic overnight tourism visitation and data shows that the Agricenter ranks 4th in the state for generating those visits. Data from the Georgia National Fairgrounds economic impact study estimates that out-of-state visitor spending in 2022 exceeded 56-million-dollars.
The Georgia National Fairgrounds is proud to be a significant part of Georgia’s thriving agriculture and tourism industries. Stephen Shimp, Executive Director for the organization, is optimistic about the Fairgrounds future as it enters its’ 35th year. “We [GNFA authority members and staff] knew our operations had an immense impact on the local and state economy, but working with the Carl Vinson Institute has allowed us to translate that to our stakeholders more clearly than ever before. The past 35 years has seen incredible growth and I only see that continuing as we move forward with the development of the Marriot hotel which will provide 126 premium lodging opportunities on our campus.” The dual branded Fairfield/TownPlace suites project developed in partnership with Retreat Hotels & Resorts is tentatively scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2025.The hotel will connect directly with the Fairgrounds largest indoor convention center to create an authentic convention experience for Fairground’s guests.
The influx of guests has not only propelled growth at the Fairgrounds, but also in surrounding areas. Three hotels in the city of Perry are currently undergoing renovation or being built to assist with growing demands.
“Anyone who has been to the Georgia National Fair or one of the many other events held at our Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter knows how important they are to the surrounding community and our state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This study reminds us of how impactful the Fairgrounds are economically and culturally, and it demonstrates that this beloved Georgia institution has a bright future!”
Exciting plans are also underway for new livestock infrastructure and educational exhibits that will continue to support the Fairgrounds pinnacle mission to showcase Georgia’s agriculture and promote the participation and achievement of youth livestock involvement.
“At its’ core, the Fairgrounds exists to serve students across the State who show an intertest in agriculture. Whether we are providing arenas and stalls for livestock projects, a destination for FFA and 4-H summits, or recognizing achievements of competitive exhibits at the Fair, youth development will continue to be paramount.” Said Chairman Foster Rhodes.
Foster Rhodes is the Chairman of the state appointed governing body of the Georgia National Fairgrounds known as the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority which he has served on since the Authority’s inception in 1985.
For more information about the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority and the Georgia National Fairgrounds visit www.gnfa.com.
About the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter
Located in Perry, Georgia, the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is one of the foremost event venues and livestock facilities in the nation. It is home to the Georgia National Fair, the Georgia National Rodeo, and hundreds of annual livestock events, trade shows, exhibitions, conventions, and meetings. As an authority of the state of Georgia, the GNFA’s mission is to effectively promote Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness contributions and to encourage education and participation in the field.
About the Carl Vinson Institute of Government
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government is a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia. The Institute shares the university’s overarching public service mission of extending resources of professional knowledge and expertise to help communities in Georgia and beyond improve their quality of life. The Institute of Government is committed to promoting excellence in government through technical assistance, training programs, applied research and technology solutions. The Institute of Government works extensively with governments across Georgia and beyond to develop the knowledge and skills that elected officials, professional staff, and appointed board members need to manage effectively in the 21st century.