Considered by many to be one of the best fairs around, the 11th annual Cumming Country Fair & Festival is back again this year -- Thursday, October 6th, through Sunday, October 16th -- and it's bigger and better than ever. This fun-filled, family event that mixes traditional games, rides, funnel cakes and stuffed animals with contemporary attractions, exhibits and phenomenal live entertainment, attracts thousands of visitors each year and takes place at the Cumming City Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, adjacent to downtown Cumming.

One of this year's attractions is Heritage Village, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience our country's rural past. This unique attraction features working demonstrations of authentic farm machinery, such as cotton, saw and corn mills, a blacksmith shop, cider press, grist mill, printing press and more. And that's not all. An early 1900s doctor's office, post office and dentist office are part of this exhibit, and guests can even get haircuts at the 1930s "art deco" barber shop. Mill-made items may be purchased at the General Store, and tours will be given of replicas of the One-Room Schoolhouse, Baptist Church and Methodist Church.

The Fair's daily attractions are numerous. Check out Boots and Britches 1923 Dream Camper Show and Exhibit for some great slap-stick humor, music and tales from the road. Then enjoy Bear Mountain Wildlife Encounter, an entertaining and educational show for adults and children that features dancing bears. Brian Ruth, Master of the Chainsaw, will transform raw, two-foot-long logs into wonderful works of art, using just a chainsaw. All of his carvings will be auctioned off on Saturday, October 15.

Other daily attractions include Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show, dubbed as "the most thrilling dog show production in the world," whereby guests will be mesmerized by "celebrity" dogs soaring, spinning, jumping and flying. All of these "stars" are rescues from pounds and shelters from across the country. Frisco Brothers Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, Indian Village and "Oscar" the Robot are big part of the fun each day, along with hypnotist, Travis Fox, and "human cannonball, David "The Bullet" Smith.

The infamous James H. Drew Exposition returns with the world's most progressive midway, featuring more than 40 rides and numerous games sure to excite and thrill guests of all ages.

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival wouldn't be complete without the impressive line-up of free live entertainment each day. Performances by Jason Aldean and Josh Gracin will crank up at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 7; the 32-year-old marching band, Seed & Feed Marching Abominable Band, is slated for a "colorful" performance at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 8; and Avalon will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 11. Eagle 106.7 FM proudly presents the ever-popular Charlie Daniels Band at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12; Miranda Lambert and Tracy Byrd will each perform on Thursday, October 13, with concerts beginning at 7:00 p.m.; and Darryl Worley will wow the crowd on Friday, October 14, at 8 p.m. Rounding out the live entertainment portion of the Cumming Country Fair & Festival is Karen Peck and New River, performing on Sunday, October 16 at 5 p.m.

Other events and attractions include The Fish Family Fun Day, sponsored by The FISH 104.7 FM and featuring Jimmy Neutron, Senior Citizens Day (free admission for 55 and older), Northside Hospital Forsyth Day ($15 unlimited rides), Kids Day (free admission for children 12 and younger), Georgia Lottery Day (admission discount with non-winning Georgia Lottery ticket), a spectacular fireworks display and a special 4H Rabbit Show. Carl Black Roswell GMC will be giving away a 2005 GMC Canyon truck to one lucky winner and the Georgia Lottery will give away a guitar autographed by Fair performer, Darryl Worley.

Be sure to stop by the booths of our many fine, local businesses who will be on-site throughout the Fair, including CummingHome.com. Cumminghome will be giving away a free 32" TV provided by Pruitts Furniture

Presenting this year's Cumming Country Fair & Festival is Northside Hospital Forsyth (www.northside.com) Blue Ribbon Sponsors include Carl Black Roswell GMC, Georgia Lottery, The Real Yellow Pages and Tyson. Additional Fair sponsors include Drew Exposition, Eagle 106.7 FM, Coca-Cola, City of Cumming, Southeast Tourism Society, Forsyth County News, Country Boy Trailers, The Fish 104.7 FM and Kicks 101.5 FM. These are the folks who make the Cumming Country Fair & Festival possible.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students (ages 7-18), and children six and under are free. Parking is $3. Please visit www.cityofcumming.net or call (770) 781-3491 for more information on Fair hours (vary each day), directions to the event, maps and parking information. See you at the 2005 Cumming Country Fair & Festival!

Fair Hours
Thursday October 6th - Open 4pm-10pm
Friday, October 7th - 4pm to midnight
Saturday, October 8th - 10am, to midnight
Sunday, October 9th - 1230pm to 7pm
Monday, October 10th - Thursday, October 13th - 4pm to 10pm
Friday, October 14th - 4pm to midnight
Saturday, October 15th - 10am, to midnight
Sunday, October 16th - 1230pm to 7pm