Alabama is a South eastern state of USA, also called “Heart of Dixie” or “Cotton State”. The capital of Alabama, Montgomery is known for its historical tradition of fairs and agricultural exhibitions. The pre civil war fair was organized annually in Alabama since1854, 100 years prior to the establishment of present day “Alabama National Fair“. In editions of Harper’s weekly the fair was described as beautiful celebrations on plain grassy grounds on the banks of river Alabama. That fair was annually sponsored by Agricultural Society of Alabama.
Due to civil war, this trend of agricultural fairs totally disappeared in Alabama. It was in 1954 when a brother of Montgomery Kiwanians got an idea to organize a fair amidst the busy routines of the city.
Montgomery Kiwanians travelled to Macon to analyze the operations of a fair and established the South Alabama Fair inc. with a minimal budget of $500 from Kiwanians club treasury.
Kiwanians created a union to invest their personal budgets to overcome any unexpected loss due to failure of the fair and succeeded in making a benefit of $20000 in the very first year of fair. Its marginal success increased with every passing year and slowly it became a big fair. As the size and participation of fair increased, in 1969 its name changed from South Alabama Fair to South Alabama State Fair. In 1997, with increased participation of out of state members, it became Alabama National Fair.
The festive timing is in the month of October every year. It lasts for 10 days. In 2021, it would be celebrated from Fri 8 Oct 2021 – Sun 17 Oct 2021. The online tickets of the fair can be booked from ticket booking portal at official website of the Alabama Fair.
The purpose of fair is:
-To promote the abilities and skills of youth of Alabama.
-To uplift the situation of agriculture, industry and livestock.
- To promote educational institutions, business ideas, artistic and cultural activities.
- To give an opportunity to the citizens to enjoy and celebrate once in a year.
- Professionals, students, institutes and organizations from all over the state participate in the fair and present their respective talents and specialties.
Attractions:
-Entertainment and family recreations have always been the orientation of the fair. Circus shows, midway rides, outdoor stage shows, artistic performances, luck games are the best attractions of the fair.
-Sea line splash show in this fair is the only show in USA to feature Californian and South American Sea Lions. The Sea Lions balance balls, dance and cheer the crowd with their charming smiles.
-Scott’s Future of Magic Show blur the eyes of audience by performing tricky magical stunts.
-Many a competitions are organized in the fair to highlight and appreciate the creative talents of the participants. These are based on art, livestock show, flower show, mounted shooting, school art show etc.
On a whole this fair is a combined platform to get educated and entertained. One must participate in this fair to upgrade their knowledge with a delightful experience.