For the safety of our patrons and pets, no animals are allowed at the Cotton Fair with the exception of Service Animals. Emotional Support animals are not recognized by the ADA.
Per The ADA:
A. Service animals are defined as dogs or mini horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
B. Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.
C. A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks.

The grounds are relatively flat and a brick pathway winds through the fairgrounds area.

Certain conditions may affect the terrain.

Handicapped parking is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

Parking is free and on a first come, first parked basis. Handicapped parking is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

There are three entrances.
1. The large field is the north lot
2. Entrance near the railroad tracks is the south entrance.
3. Main Street of Gay is the west entrance.
These are conveniently located to make your entrance as quick as possible.

Plan your travel early! One of the things we get the most feedback on is traffic coming to The Cotton Fair. We love this small town, but it does take some maneuvering to get everyone accommodated. Parking is free in all Cotton Fair lots and cars are parked first come/first served. We have a few tips to make your trip the fastest and most enjoyable possible!

1) On Saturday, come EARLY! The crowds are heaviest during the middle of the day. Avoid this by coming early. Our gates open at 9am! Parking lots are open before 8am, so grab your spot early!

2) Visit us on Sunday mornings. Typically, Sunday mornings are less crowded, which means a faster travel time to Gay as well as a closer parking spot! Also, we do a drawing for a $200 shopping spree on Sunday mornings at 11:30am. You must be present to win, so take advantage of the lighter traffic, better parking and a chance to win some spending money!

3) Bypass the regular route to Gay and take a more scenic route by choosing one of these options:

a) If you are traveling south on GA Hwy 85, when you get to Alvaton (at the caution light), turn left onto GA Hwy 362 (east). You will travel approximately 2 1/2 miles and turn right onto Mount Carmel Road. Follow this road all the way into Gay. You will see signs for parking before you see the fair. This brings you to the South Entrance gate. This is approximately 4 miles further than the usual route down GA Hwy 85, but it could save you a good bit of time.

b) A second detour, if you are traveling south on GA Hwy 85, is to turn right onto Massengales Mill Road off of GA Hwy 85 about 1 1/2 miles before you get to Gay. You will follow this road until you come to Clark Road, which you will take on your left. This will bring you to Gay Road, where you can take a left and come into Gay from the west side. Once you reach the traffic light, you will travel straight under the light and signs will direct you to the parking lots. This will also bring you to the South Entrance gate. This is also about 3 miles further, but could save you some time.

Gay is our home, and what transpires here holds great significance for us. The fairgrounds were at risk of eroding away or being purchased by developers. We wanted to ensure the continuation of the Gay/McEwen family's Fair legacy that dates back to 1972 by assuming the responsibility for it, and with the intentions to care for it as they had.

Contrary to the reasons we've heard as rumor, the explanation is quite straightforward. We wanted to maintain the connection to the historical past of the cotton industry that once thrived on the property while establishing new ownership, as is common in most businesses. This decision mirrors what Mrs. McEwen did when she assumed control of the fair in the 1990s and changed its name from The Cotton Pickin' Country Fair to The Cotton Pickin’ Fair. Our intention in changing the name was not a show of disrespect, but rather to signify a new chapter in the fair's history with hopes to continue a legacy and tradition for future generations.