Columbus Councilor wants to improve safety and quality to revive canceled fair
The Greater Columbus Fair, typically held at the Columbus Civic Center, will not take place this year, the Columbus Consolidated Government announced Monday.
The Civic Center is working to secure a new fair vendor, according to the news release.
“This decision allows us to reassess operations and ensure that future fairs continue to meet the community’s expectations for quality and safety,” the releases says.
The fall fair was canceled because of increased costs, Columbus Councilor Toyia Tucker of District 4 wrote on her Facebook page. The quality of the fair’s vendor was also a concern, Tucker told the Ledger-Enquirer.
“Over the years, the fair had decreased in size,” she said. “But the demand for security is increasing. We have to make sure that we provide a safe and fun environment.”
Increased security costs
Tucker learned in September about the possibility of the fair being canceled, she said. City officials had been analyzing the costs associated with last year’s fair and the expected costs of the fair this year.
Columbus is spending $75,000 on security, Tucker said. Twenty-five law enforcement officers are paid $65 per hour to work the fair, she said.
While finding a new vendor will not remove the city’s responsibility of providing security, she said, the pause will allow for more discussions regarding the fair in the next budget cycle as they look into the revenue the fair generates.
“It is multifaceted because city services is not for profit,” Tucker said. “We’re not trying to make profits. However, we are definitely wanting to be self-sustainable.”
How much the city can afford to pay law enforcement to provide security likely will be a topic of conversation during the next several months, she said.
Addressing decreased quality of the fair
Along with addressing the increased expenses, Tucker said, the pause also will help officials find a new vendor who can provide a better fair.
“As a native resident of Columbus, I recall our fair being at the fairgrounds off Victory Drive and how amazing it was as a child,” she said. “Of course, I’m coming with small eyes — a child’s eyes. However, it did seem extremely nice. It was definitely bigger.”
Over the years the quality of the fair has declined, she said.
“I appreciate our Civic Center staff for acknowledging that and wanting to present a quality fair for our patrons,” Tucker said.
The city has to restore the fair’s reputation and value for people who are spending their money by attending, she said.
Meanwhile, Tucker encouraged Columbus residents on Facebook to plan to visit the Georgia National Fair in Perry this year instead.
“Our goal is to provide the best possible entertainment experience while responsibly managing all associated costs,” the news release says. “We look forward to sharing updates as planning progresses for future events.”
The Ledger-Enquirer reached out to Kanise Wiggins, interim director of the Columbus Civic Center, but didn’t receive comments before publishing.
This story was originally published October 6, 2025 at 4:57 PM.
