Perry, Georgia, serves as the host of the state’s primary agricultural events space. In 1990, the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter (GNFA) opened their metaphorical doors for the first time. Though most notably serving as the site of the Georgia National Fair, the fairgrounds plays host to many events through the year.
With a focus on agricultural expositions and youth-focused events, the GNFA routinely hosts livestock shows of various sorts and youth competitions. In 2018, the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show was added to the list of annual events.
The Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show was developed to fill a gap in the fairground’s show schedule in a way that fulfills their goals of supporting Georgia agriculture and providing spaces for the young people of Georgia to learn and have fun. As such, the Antique Ag Show has occupied the fairgrounds in fall for the past eight years.
Mules to Microchips
The Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show was created to celebrate the historical agriculture and agricultural practices from both Georgia and around the U.S. As such, it features tractor displays, threshing demonstrations, harvesting features, plowing competitions, and more. Both private exhibitors and sponsored events from major agricultural businesses have a home at the Antique Ag Show.
The theme of this year’s event is “From Mules to Microchips — Honoring the Past, Showcasing the Future.” The directors and staff of the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show plan to highlight the past of American agriculture dating back to the animal-drawn equipment and following the advancement all the way to the high-tech modern farm practices of today. With exhibitions of antique equipment in action and displays of the latest developments, this show will have plenty for both the old iron and techy crowds to enjoy!
America 250
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show is pulling out all the stops. According to Event Director Hamilton Halford, “The hopes are to take this from a tractor show two to three steps further and include more demonstrations in it.”
Not forgetting their antique roots, the Antique Ag Show plays host to a wide range of vintage tractors and farm equipment. At previous shows, around 400 tractors were on display both indoors and outdoors. The plowing demonstrations will also include mule-drawn and vintage tractor work in addition to the general antique equipment displays around the grounds.
Tractor pulls always bring a lot of attention at these events, and the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show has that covered. Both large and miniature tractor pulling events will be held at this year’s show. In previous years, participants from 29 states competed in these events, so be prepared for fierce competition.
The activity won’t stop when the sun goes down, either. The Antique Ag Show will feature evening and nightly events, such as music performances. As part of the America 250 celebration, the nightly events will also be capped off with a patriotic firework display at the end of the organized activities.
Agriculture at the Show
Of course, agriculture is the central feature of the event. Event organizers plan for a wide range of booths, displays, and demonstrations for agricultural products. And the products being celebrated aren’t limited to just a Georgia affair. Hamilton says, “The vision isn’t just for Georgia commodities, but American commodities would be shown.” Indeed, any commodity that can be eaten or worn that’s produced by an American farmer can be shown and celebrated at the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show.
One example of the crops being shown will be peanuts. As the official state crop of Georgia, it’s only natural to feature these legumes. Be sure to stop by the peanut threshing demonstration during the show to see the vintage process in action.
Other featured agricultural products include sorghum, syrup, and wheat. There will be demos of the traditional processes, including threshing, milling, and grinding. You can also watch a harvesting demonstration using land supported by the University of Georgia.
Come Visit
The Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show officially begins on the evening of November 11. They’ll be open 24 hours a day from the 12th through the 14th. General admittance is completely free, whether you stay an hour or through the entire show. However, there will be some fees for specific evening events.
Though the Georgia National Fairgrounds has plenty of space to accommodate large crowds, RV hookups are limited to 1000 individual sites, so plan ahead if you intend to camp on their grounds.
For more information about the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show, you can visit the Georgia National Fairgrounds website or check out their Facebook page. If you want to become an exhibitor at the event, the website will also have all the info you need.
The organizers of the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show warmly welcome visitors from all walks of life to come experience and celebrate America’s rich agricultural heritage. With a genuine passion for preserving this history, they hope to share its stories, traditions, and lasting legacy with everyone who attends. According to Halford, “Our purpose is to make this show a family-fun-filled event and to help preserve the past by showing off the history of American agriculture.” FC
Zach Brown is the lead editor of Farm Collector magazine. Contact him at ZBrown@ogdenpubs.com
