What the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair Is
The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair is the annual fair of Gordon County and the surrounding region, held at the Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds, 1060 Liberty Road SW in Calhoun. The 2026 fair ran nine days, Friday, September 11 through Saturday, September 19. It mixes a carnival midway and nightly entertainment with agricultural exhibits, pageants, youth contests and junior livestock shows.
Tickets and 2026 Highlights
- Admission: $8. Children under 5 are free. Unlimited ride specials were offered nightly.
- Parade: 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 12.
- Shows and attractions: Agriculture-themed golf, a bubble factory show, the All American Animal Farm, and nightly bands, shows and performances.
- Also on the grounds: Agricultural exhibits, pageants and competitions, vendors with fair food, and livestock shows.
Junior Livestock Shows
The fair hosts shows for 4-H and FFA members. In 2024 the schedule ran across the fair's second week:
| Show | Day in 2024 (fair ran Sept. 6-14) |
|---|---|
| Market Goat | September 8 |
| Market Lamb | September 9 |
| Heifer | September 10 |
| Steer | September 10 |
| Swine | September 13 |
- Exhibitors must be in 4-H or FFA, and the entry form asks for the exhibitor's grade.
- The 2024 fee was $10.00 per animal, paid by check to the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair.
- For each animal the form asks for species, tag number, breed and birthdate. Swine entries say whether the animal is a breeding gilt or a market hog, and heifers are listed as registered or commercial.
- The 2024 form and payment had to be postmarked by August 30 and mailed to P.O. Box 414, Calhoun, GA 30703. Entries postmarked later were not accepted.
Youth Contests and Exhibits
In 2024 the fair and Gordon County 4-H offered cash prizes in several youth contests:
- Youth display contests (grades K-12): Project Showcase, Pumpkin Decorating and Scarecrow Decorating. Entry deadline August 30.
- Livestock judging contest (grades 4-12): Entry deadline September 11.
- Youth Organization Education Exhibits: For organizations that serve youth. Exhibits must show the organization's activities and follow one theme. Booth space went to the first four organizations to register; later registrants got a table. Awards were $200 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third, plus ribbons. Exhibits were set up in the fair exhibit building the week before the fair, and judging took place on the first Friday.
Where to Go
Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds, 1060 Liberty Road SW, Calhoun, Georgia 30701. Questions can go to the Gordon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 300 S. Wall Street, Calhoun, 706-625-3200.
Questions
How much is it to get in?
$8 in 2026, and children under 5 were free.
Can my child show a pig?
If they are in 4-H or FFA, yes. In 2024 swine was shown on the fair's second Friday, with a $10 fee per animal.
When do livestock entries close?
In 2024, entries had to be postmarked by August 30, about a week before the fair opened.
Is there a prize for school or club exhibits?
Yes. The Youth Organization Education Exhibit paid $200, $100 and $50 for the top three booths in 2024.
Official Links
- AJC 2026 fairs guide: 2026 dates, admission, parade and attractions
- Explore Gordon County: fair overview, address and phone
- Livestock show entry form (2024): show days, fee and mailing address
- Gordon County 4-H fair contests (2024): youth display contests and deadlines
- Youth Organization Education Exhibits rules (2024): booth rules and prizes
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
- 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 - The MAC Attack Cattle Show
One-day cattle show at the MAC Building in Hazlehurst, scheduled for November 14, 2026. Held each year on the fall youth show calendar.
Hazlehurst, GA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.