Exchange Club Fairgrounds midway renamed ‘The Joe Taylor Midway’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Exchange Club of Augusta held a special celebration Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds where they honored longtime Fair Manager Joe Taylor by naming the Georgia Carolina State Fair’s midway “The Joe Taylor Midway.”

Joe Taylor was appointed Fair Manager by Congressman Rick Allen in 1999. According to the Exchange Club of Augusta, since then, Taylor has dedicated himself to innovating in order to enhance each individual patron’s fair experience, making the Georgia Carolina State Fair a memory-making community event featuring thrilling rides, attractions, and family fun year after year.

“They have made the decision to name the midway “Joe Taylor Midway,” so I’m just floored – I didn’t know anything about this.” Taylor told WJBF Photojournalist Reygnal McKie. “I became chairman of the parking lot, then I became vice chairman of the cage, then I became chairman of the gates, then I became chairman of the fellowship committee. And then I served as president– went through chairs in 1998, became fair manager in 1999.”

Taylor’s commitment to the fair is matched by his longstanding involvement with the Exchange Club of Augusta, where he has been a member since 1962. Taylor has also served as Exchange Club of Augusta President in 1998.

The Exchange Club of Augusta credits Taylor’s unique skillset and background with the fair’s continued success.

Currently, the Exchange Club of Augusta is preparing to host the 101st Fair scheduled Oct. 18-27, 2024.

Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie

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