TIFTON — The start of November signals the return of the annual Coastal Plains Agricultural Fair, and organizers are confident this year’s run will be the biggest it’s been in years.

The fair opened its gates the evening of Nov. 5, inviting residents of Tift County to enjoy thrilling rides, exciting carnival games, and delicious festival food and treats.

Members of the American Legion Post 21, the organizers of the fair, celebrated the start of the event with a ribbon cutting in partnership with the local chamber of commerce, proudly raising the American flag at the conclusion of the ceremony to signal its grand opening.

Dale Gay, a member of the American Legion, reported that this year’s fair would have more food vendors and a larger midway of attractions than previous years, anticipating that it could be the largest showing of the fair in over a decade.

While the event’s iconic Ferris wheel and Sky Diver rides will not be making appearances due to damage they sustained as a result of Hurricane Helene, organizers are excited about the wide array of other rides and attractions the fair will be able to provide its guests.

Patrons of the fair will be given the opportunity to purchase armbands every night of the fair to have unlimited access to all rides, with the bands being sold at a discounted price of $20 Wednesday evening, $25 Thursday and Sunday, and $30 Friday and Saturday. All proceeds from the fair are expected to go back into serving the community.

The fair will stay in town until Nov. 10, running from 6 to 10 p.m. the evenings of Nov. 6 and 7, 6 to midnight Nov. 8, 2 to midnight Nov. 9, and 1 to 7 p.m. the final day. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $5. For more information, contact the American Legion Post 21 at (229) 392-2632.