Setup for the American Legion Fair began over the weekend to culminate in opening night Nov. 1

TIFTON, Ga. – The American Legion Costal Plain Regional Fair kicked off Nov. 1 at the fairgrounds on Hwy 82. Entering its 80th year, the fair is the major fundraiser for the American Legion, with proceeds going towards various veterans groups, children and youth organizations. 

The fair, which used to be heavily agriculturally focused but has seen a decline in recent years, is coming back “from a state of decay,” according to Steve Scott, a member of the Tifton American Legion Post 21. “This used to be the only fair around, now there are competing fairs in Albany, Perry,” Scott said. 

This year the Legion has brought in a new carnival company headquartered in north Florida, which has allowed them to have a six day carnival. The dates are Nov. 1-6, and the proceeds for the fair will go to fund various outreach and charitable projects. One of the big ones is the Trees for Troops project, which provides Christmas trees for military families. The Legion also sponsors local baseball teams, scholarships and the ROTC drill team.

“Our motto is veterans helping veterans,” said Wayne Duffell, another member of the Legion. He said they were hoping to have a good year so they can continue to contribute to veteran support programs.

The fair will be open Nov. 1-3 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., Nov. 4 from 6 p.m. until midnight, Nov. 5 from 2 p.m. until midnight and Nov. 6 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.