TIFTON—In 1936, members of the American Legion oversaw the first-ever Coastal Plains Agricultural Fair, and now, 85 years later, Post 21 is ensuring the fair is still going strong.

Running from Nov. 9-14, the 85th Annual Coastal Plains Fair isn’t quite on the same wavelength as its initial incarnations but it did bring classic carnival rides, food and fun to residents of Tifton and the surrounding region.

In celebration of the many years of the event and the many more to come, the American Legion held a ribbon cutting and raised the American flag high, opening the gates for the fair as soon as the colors were free in the wind.

Guests could ride a large, illuminated Ferris wheel, take a spin on a gravitron that would tilt riders almost vertically at full spin or try their hand at winning a prize from one of the many carnival game challenges. 

If they were more interested in grabbing a bite to eat, there was carnival food to spare, from candied apples and corn dogs to make your own slushies and cotton candy. Some independent vendors even set up shop as part of the carnival, offering their own wares to interested patrons.

A different opportunity was offered to guests almost every night of the fair, not only in terms of deals but also experiences.

Tuesday, the opening night of the fair, was Student Night, letting any student of a local school or college get in for free, so long as they presented proper identification indicating such.

Thursday was Family Night, which offered a deal of four armbands that granted full access to all of the rides at the carnival for a discounted price. 

On Saturday, the fair opened four hours earlier than the other days, and featured a corndog eating contest at 4 p.m., as well as a concert from local rock, country, and R&B band The Mood Doctors.

Five-act family circus the Dominguez Family also made an appearance at the fair, putting on performances throughout the week, including their “Globe of Death” act.

All proceeds from the fair were directed back to the community, put toward funding various community service projects and supporting local students, veterans and schools, organizers said.

The American Legion Fairgrounds Post 21 sponsors several events throughout the year, including the upcoming Toys for Tots, and is already at work planning  the 86th Coastal Plains Fair.

For more information, call (229) 226-9244.