The smell of funnel cakes in the air can only mean one thing: the 49th annual Columbia County Fair is here.

Open for thrill seekers October 30 through November 8, this year’s lineup includes new attractions such as the Zoovogel (Sky Rider) and Wildlife Wendy and her Tropical Birds Show, along with returning favorites like demolition derbies, a master chainsaw carving artist, a petting zoo, Sea Lion Splash and Oscar the Robot.

The Merchants Association of Columbia County, a non-profit organization of business volunteers, presents the fair each year at their fairgrounds on Columbia Road across from Patriots Park. Free conveniences include parking with security, golf cart shuttles, nightly entertainment and admission for kids 3 and under.

Proceeds from the fair benefit more than a dozen CSRA charities and provide scholarships to seniors from each Columbia County public high school. For more information, visit columbiacountyfair.net.

Thursday, October 30
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: Get one free admission with five non-perishable items per person to be donated to Columbia County Cares; $7 admission without donation.
Senior Night: Free admission for adults 55 and older
FFA Judging: 6 p.m.
Entertainment: Sandy B and the Allstars

Friday, October 31
Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight
Admission: $5
Entertainment: Out of the Cellar band

Saturday, November 1
Hours: Noon – midnight
Admission: $7
Kids’ Day: Kids ride free noon-1 p.m.
Entertainment: Brandon Bower Band

Sunday, November 2
Hours: 1 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7; $1 off with church bulletin; $1 off for all students
Unlimited Ride Special: $20

Monday, November 3
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Military Appreciation Night: $4 admission with military ID
Entertainment: John Kolbeck Trio (at the Demolition Derby)
Demolition Derby: 7:30 p.m.
Unlimited Ride Special: $20

Tuesday, November 4
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Apollo Talent Night: Kids ages 1-12 with DJ Tony Howard
Unlimited Ride Special: $20

Wednesday, November 5
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Entertainment: Electric Voodoo & the UGA Georgettes Dance Team (7 p.m.)
Unlimited Ride Special: $20

Thursday, November 6
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Apollo Talent Night: Adults (ages 13+) with DJ Tony Howard
Unlimited Ride Special: $20

Friday, November 7
Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight
Admission: $7
Entertainment: The Remedy (at the Demolition Derby)
Demolition Derby: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 8
Hours: Noon – midnight
Admission: $7
Kids’ Day: Kids ride free noon-1 p.m.
Entertainment: Tanner Duckworth; 2nd Chance Rising
Chainsaw Carving Auction: 9 p.m.