What the Elberton 12 County Fair Is
The Elberton 12 County Fair is a regional fair in Elberton, Georgia, presented by the nonprofit Elberton 12-County Fair Corp. It draws on ten Georgia counties and two South Carolina counties. The 2025 fair was described as more than 92 years old and as Northeast Georgia's longest-running fair. The 2026 fair ran eleven days, Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, November 1, at the fairgrounds at 425 N. Oliver Street.
What You Find There
- Midway: Rides from Dreamland Amusements, with more than 25 rides in 2025. Thrill rides included the Zipper and Alien Invasion; family rides included a carousel, bumper cars and kiddie rides. The 2026 fair advertised a new midway.
- Shows: Community bands and live music, circus acts, the Banana Derby pig races and a 4-H petting zoo were included with admission in 2025. The 2026 lineup listed Tiger Encounter, Circus Murcia, a Halloween magic show and the finals of the Voice of the 12 County Fair singing contest.
- Contests: The Best Mullet Hair contest, nightly prize drawings, and blue ribbon awards in the general exhibits.
- Food: Funnel cakes, pizza, corn dogs and hot fudge sundaes.
Exhibits and Who Can Enter
The fair runs youth exhibits from 4-H and FFA, including livestock, and eight general exhibit departments: Agricultural, Prepared Foods, Arts and Crafts, Horticulture, Clothing, Needlecraft, Canning, and Quilting and Afghans. Eligible residents are those of the Georgia counties of Elbert, Hart, Franklin, Madison, Banks, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Lincoln, Clarke and Stephens, and the South Carolina counties of Anderson and Abbeville.
In 2025, entries were accepted at the fairgrounds before the fair opened each day and stayed on display through the final Sunday. The competition forms are on the fair's website under its competition forms page.
Hours, Admission and Rules
| Day | Hours (2025) |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Saturdays | Noon to 11:00 p.m. |
| Sundays | 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
- General admission in 2025 was $5 per guest. Children under 36 inches tall were free with an adult ticket. Parking was $5 per vehicle.
- Special offers in 2025 included Dollar Days, BOGO Nights and $20 ride wristbands. Unlimited ride wristbands for 2026 were listed at $26.25 to $32.
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, with no more than three minors per adult.
- Clear bags are requested and all bags are subject to search. There is no re-entry once you leave the gate.
Where to Go
Elberton fairgrounds, 425 N. Oliver Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635. Tickets are sold through the fair's website, and the fair office number is 706-283-3401.
Questions
Can I enter a quilt or a canning jar if I live in Georgia but not in Elbert County?
Yes, if you live in one of the ten Georgia counties or two South Carolina counties listed above.
When do I drop off my entry?
In 2025, entries were taken at the fairgrounds before the fair opened each day. Use the competition forms on the fair's website for the current rules.
Do children need an adult?
Yes. Anyone under 18 must be with an adult, and each adult may bring no more than three minors.
Is the entertainment extra?
In 2025 the live shows, circus acts and pig races were included with general admission. Rides cost extra.
Official Links
- The Elberton 12 County Fair returns (2025): hours, admission, exhibits and eligible counties
- AJC 2026 fairs guide: 2026 dates, address, rides and shows
- North Georgia Living event listing: fair corporation and county reach
Georgia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Georgia's youth livestock season runs from January jackpots to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, which ran through October 18 in 2026, per WTOC. The top show is the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry: lambs and goats October 7 to 11, 2026, and hogs, beef, heifers, ewes and does February 17 to 20, 2027, per Georgia 4-H.
Who can show
Georgia 4-H and FFA members who have not finished high school. Grade minimums run from 1st grade for lambs and goats to 4th grade for beef.
Tags and papers
Market lambs and goats need state ear tags by August 1 and hogs by December 5. Livestock need a veterinary inspection certificate.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension agent or ag teacher for the fair book and entry dates.
Rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Georgia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Elbert County FFA Winter Dairy Showcase
Dairy show run by Elbert County FFA on the Athens Technical College Elberton campus.
- Blue Ridge Cattle Classic
Two-day junior cattle show at the Union County Agricenter in Blairsville, part of the Georgia 4-H and FFA winter show circuit.
Blairsville, GA Official event details - Rockin The Ridge Market Hog Show
Market hog show for 4-H and FFA exhibitors at the Fannin County Ag Facility in Blue Ridge, run by the county FFA Alumni.
- Syrup City Harvest Classic Cattle and Pig Show
Three-day cattle and pig show in Cairo, the Syrup City, scheduled for November 13-15, 2026. Held each year as part of the fall youth livestock circuit.
Cairo, GA Official event details - MAC Attack Cattle Show
One-day junior cattle show held in the MAC Building in Hazlehurst, Jeff Davis County, on the Georgia 4-H show calendar.
Hazlehurst, GA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.