There's an App for That: Coosa Valley Fair Tickets Go Digital

Bringing back the history of county fairs past, and bringing in new ticketing technology, the 75th annual Coosa Valley Fair is getting ready to open on Oct. 1.

Fair organizers have put together a collection of carnival attractions, including plenty of kid- and family-friendly rides, a petting zoo and the famous fall flower show, to name a few.

“We’ve also gotten two new attractions this year, the World of Wonders Show and Museum of Marvels,” Coosa Valley Fair Manager Brian Shealy said. “And I don’t like to call them sideshows, but as it’s our 75th anniversary, these two attractions really remind us of the history of county fairs.”

Unlimited ride armbands are available now online at WadeShowsInc.com/54 . They are $25 each until the fair starts on Oct. 1. After that, armbands are $30 each from Tuesday through Friday and $35 on Saturday.

The rides will also use a digital option instead of paper tickets this year, and guests can buy individual tickets and add to a card at kiosks in the fair.

They are also using the Fair Pass Funtagg smartphone app this year. Guests can add the app to their phones, purchase tickets, and then take their phones directly to the rides to enjoy.

The World of Wonders bills itself as a grand spectacle where 10 extraordinary acts come to life beneath the majestic Big Top, with astonishing performances such as the sword swallowers, a strong lady and fire eaters.

According to its website, the Museum of Marvels offers an “awe-inspiring collection of oddities, artifacts, and interactive family fun,” including Barnum’s Barnyard Encounter with the world’s most unusual animals, the mysterious female blob and the renowned Fiji Mermaid, as it delves into the history of circus sideshows. They are also featuring the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show .

Another change this year is that the livestock show will not be held during the fair.

“We’ve always had problems with the scheduling of our livestock show and the Georgia State Show every year in Perry, “ Shealy said. “So, unfortunately, our livestock show will be rescheduled for later in the fall.”

Carnival rides are again provided by Wade Shows, from the Cliff Hanger to the Wacky Worm roller coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl and Scrambler.

“We’re very fortunate to have Wade Shows providing our rides again this year,” Shealy said. “They’re very professional operators and typically don’t do fairs as small as ours. Our rides will be heading to the North Carolina State Fair when they leave us.”

The fair runs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, and from 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults and children over 6. Children under 6 enter free, and parking is free as well.

The fair has been sponsored since 1949 by the Exchange Club of Rome, a family focused community service agency that provides education and support services to families in Floyd and surrounding counties.