The Washington County Fair is hoping to provide fun for a reeling community this weekend.
Amidst the (literal) darkness left behind by Hurricane Helene late last week, all are invited to turn to the annual event for a chance to find a glimmer of light, hope, and amusement at the approaching end of the treacherous tunnel.
Originally planned to run Tuesday, October 1 through Saturday, October 5, the WACO Fair did not open until Wednesday because of the inability of the out-of-town carnival games and rides to navigate storm damaged roads early in the week.
Each year, the weekend nights stand as the most attended for the fair. Those hosting the event hope that will still be the case despite their community still feeling the effects of last Friday’s inclement weather.
The Washington County Fair is held on the grounds of the WACO Ag Center at 882 Grady Mertz Road in Tennille.
The fee for entrance is $5.00. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Washington County’s Fair is presented by two local non-profit organizations – First Love Kids and Freedom Fighters of Georgia.
The ministerial groups were extended the opportunity to revive the fair a few years ago. The event serves as a fundraiser of sorts, as they are able to split the profits after fees and payments are made to the carnival group, rental of the grounds, etc.
Well known within Washington County, First Love Kids serves as an outreach ministry providing a nurturing and learning environment for in-need local children between the ages of 4-17. The program inspires academic and spiritual growth while encouraging the children and adolescents to reach their full potential.
Freedom Fighters is also a Christian based organization – it helps young men struggling with addiction. The program is a minimum of 13 months, focusing on males aged 17 to 25. While enrolled in the program, young men learn a trade of horticulture, construction, welding, landscaping, or mechanics. Freedom Fighters also offers GED classes, servant leadership and family recovery programs, and attendance in the Breaking Free Church.
“We debated if we were going to hold the fair during this very difficult time for everyone, but decided to do it in hopes that it would brighten the night for some kids and their families,” said Keegan Mason, Co-Founder/Producer of Freedom Fighters Of Georgia and Director of the Breaking Free Church. “We hope this will bring a little fun for some during a tough time. I know my kids are super excited.”
According to Mason, while the buildings on the Freedom Fighters campus did not sustain significant damage, their plant nursery experienced extreme effects during the hurricane.
“Running the program is not free by any means and costs us an average of $35,000 per month. Our major way to raise money for the program is our plant nursery. I estimate we lost well over $50,000 in inventory,” said Mason. “Our program is completely free. We have never charged a dollar for anyone to get help. We believe that what Jesus did on the cross was free so we freely give our lives to those hurting.”
Financial assistance towards Freedom Fighters can be provided HERE.
Other avenues of local weekend fun include attending one of the two in-town high school football games.
The Washington County Golden Hawks are holding host the undefeated Dodge County Indians in the House of Pain at 7:30.
After week-long debates on if the game should or could be played with students out of school all week and many player’s families still without power and essentials, both school districts opted to follow the recommendation of their players and continue forth with the game.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fans are invited to wear pink clothes.
The first 150 students will be admitted free entrance. Kindergarten through 8th Grade students must have a paying adult to enter the gates.
Following a game cancellation last week, the Brentwood War Eagles also return to action tonight against the unbeaten and defending State Champion Edmund Burke Spartans of Waynesboro.
In an act to show their appreciation for those restoring normalcy post-storm, Brentwood School is proving all lineman, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel with free entrance and concessions during the game.