TIFTON — The 82nd Annual Coastal Plains Agricultural Fair is coming to town Tues. Oct. 30 through Sun. Nov. 4.

The American Legion Post 21 in Tifton hosts the fair every year, which is the oldest running fair in south Georgia.

The fair has been running since 1936, and used to feature contests for local produce, baked goods and even eating contests.

The American Legion members hope to bring back some of the traditional fair activities, according to Post 21 Legion Commander Tommy Treadway.

He said that they are hoping to bring back some of the contests next year, and hopes that the community will rally to support the long-running seasonal event.

The fair brings in attendees from all around the area, said Treadway, and he hopes that the community will come out to not only support the fair itself, but the vendors, exhibitors and the American Legion.

Treadway and Dale Gay, who was working on getting the grounds and buildings fair-ready, said that there are 82 confirmed exhibits this year, up from 67 last year.

Student groups, farm equipment vendors, veterans groups and churches are among the booths that will be available for fairgoers to see before they reach the fair itself.

In addition to rides, the fair will feature local food vendors.

Treadway said that safety is of primary importance.

“If it’s not safe enough for my wife and kids, it’s not safe enough for the community,” he said.

The company who provides the rides, Primetime Amusement, has said the fair will feature a Ferris wheel this year, which Treadway said was something he particularly pushed for.

The American Legion uses the proceeds generated from the fair to support veterans and youth programs in the community.

They support the VA clinic and veteran organizations.

Post 21 does all of the work to advertise and put on the fair, as well as maintaining the fair grounds and buildings.

The fair will kick off Tuesday, Oct. 30 and will run through Sunday, Nov. 4

Admission to the fair is $5 and parking is always free.

Tuesday night is college night, where college students can get in for free by showing their student ID.

On Wednesday night, Halloween night, any child under 12 in full costume will get in free, as will pre-K through 5th graders with a paying adult.

Thursday night will be free entry night for students for grades 6-12. While high school aged kids may show their student ID, the 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be getting tickets printed out and available at the schools.

Unlimited ride armbands are available for $15 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and for $20 on Friday and Saturday. There will also be individual tickets available for children who don’t meet height requirements for some rides but can ride some things.