The Atlanta Fair is underway at Turner Field through April 2.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the event, making it Atlanta's longest running fair.
Read here for details on the fair: Atlanta Fair offers six weeks of fun for newcomers and veterans
While many Atlantans have visited the fair each spring in the Grey Lot at Turner Field to enjoy the rides, games and food, there are a few things you may not know about this annual event. Here are a few fun facts about the Atlanta Fair:
Four is the luckiest number. The Atlanta Fair is one of four influential fairs to take place in Atlanta city limits. The first two, Piedmont Exposition of 1887 and the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, both took place in Piedmont Park. The third, the Southeastern Fair, ran from 1916 to 1970 at the Lakewood Fairground. The Atlanta Fair came to town in 1980.
It's not all fun and games
. The Atlanta Fair believes in supporting the community. This year, a literacy program for students called Reading for Rides, encourages children to read for fun. Each child who completes a book report will receive a Blue Ribbon and free entry. This year’s Reading for Rides day is Saturday, March 12.
All is fair in food. Three of the most popular fair snacks include elephant ears, funnel cakes and flash fried Oreos. Some of the food vendors, such as Nagel's Concessions, have been with the Atlanta fair for over 20 years.
It comes with a side of exercise. Two laps around the fairground equals a mile, hence the name Midway Mile.
New year, new rides. "The Bullet," is a new addition to the ride line-up at the Atlanta Fair, spinning and twirling riders 40 feet in the air. Younger riders can take a ride on the new "Midway Speedway" where speeding is always allowed.
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