Organization of the North Georgia Ag Fair
Incorporating Directors, previously nominated by Whitfield County Farm
Bureau membership, met May 1949, Whitfield County Courthouse, to organize the North Georgia Fair. The five incorporating
directors were - Lon W. Bagby, Coy W. Henderson, Keely Greer, Glenn Cooper and L. M. Babb.
The first meeting held May 24, 1949 at the Elks Home with representatives of Farm, Civic, American
Legion, School, Agricultural Agencies along with other interested individuals. The Charter and By-Laws were discussed
and adopted by those present. Newly elected officers were: Keely Greer, President; Lon Bagby, Vice President; Burl Scoggins,
Secretary-Treasurer-Manager.
The First North Georgia Fair
The first North Georgia Fair was held October 17-22, 1949 with Cumberland Valley Shows providing the
Midway and continued to provide the fall Midway through 1997. Admission price for the first fair was 25 cents for adults
and 14 cents for children.
Officers and Leadership
Keely Greer continued to serve as President of the Association for the first seven years of existence,
with many improvements being evident. Coy W. Henderson became President in 1956 and served in this capacity until 1959
when Glenn Cooper became its third President.
From 1960 through 1969 Presidents serving for short periods of time were Keely Greer, John B. Smith
and Glenn Cooper. Beginning in 1968 Glenn Cooper became President of the North Georgia Fair Association and served in
this capacity through 1994. Harold Brooker has served as President since 1995.
Burl Scoggins, Whitfield County Agent, was very instrumental with the organization and growth of the
Fair Association. Mr. Scoggins served as Secretary-Treasurer and Manager for the Fair for more than twenty-five
years before his death in 1980.
Since 1980, J. T. Trammell, Odell Riddle and Larry Thomas have served as Fair Manager.
Vision for the Future
Today our Fair has a long lasting tradition but our goals are not for things to remain the same.
The Association is constantly striving to produce an attractive agricultural and cultural event for Northwest Georgia.
To give recognition to those seeking to improve our livestock and other agricultural standards in our community, promote education,
provide displays of home accomplishments, to stimulate youthful participation in all endeavors, and generally to offer a community
service.
Facilities
The facilities include 4 Exhibit Buildings, Livestock Barn, Outdoor Stage and 5 Food Concessions on
some 30+ acres. The grounds are owned by the North Georgia Agricultural Fair, Inc. The buildings are used for
rental throughout the year.
Celebrating 60 Years
The Fair will continue to promote new and exciting educational programs and events. We will
also encourage the next generation to forward Agriculture and our Fair as we celebrate 60 years of continuous service
to our community with the Fair in 2008. Join us October 16-25.
Prepared by Larry W. Thomas, CFE
North Georgia Ag Fair Manager
