QUITMAN — Fall family entertainment is set to return to Quitman next week as the Harvest Festival takes over 1600 S. Court Street for five days, running Wednesday, October 21, through Sunday, October 25. Presented by A Community A-Fair, the festival promises a full carnival midway provided by Smokey’s Greater Shows, alongside carnival games, fair food, and diverse entertainment for residents and families across South Georgia.
The return of the Harvest Festival continues a recent trend of carnival entertainment in Quitman, following its reintroduction in 2024 after a significant absence. Andrew Stringfellow Jr., founder of A Community A-Fair, noted the organizers' excitement to return and provide "an even bigger carnival experience" for local families. He highlighted the special atmosphere created when the midway lights up at night, with families enjoying the attractions and the community gathering, expressing a desire for the Harvest Festival to continue evolving into a cherished fall tradition for Quitman and its neighboring areas.
The carnival midway will feature approximately 16 rides designed for various ages. Among the attractions are the towering 90-foot Giant Ferris Wheel, the Zipper, the spinning Gravitron, Hurricane, and the Wisdom Tornado. Family-friendly options include the Dragon Family Coaster, Family Swing, Giant Flying Dumbos, and a large slide, in addition to other rides suitable for children.
Beyond the rides and games, the festival will offer a variety of classic fair and festival foods. Attendees can expect homemade-style macaroni & cheese, smoked chicken wings, and Mexican street corn. Sweet treats will also be available, including funnel cakes and candied apples, among other options.
Admission to the Harvest Festival is set at $5 per person, with children measuring 3 feet tall and under granted free entry. Unlimited Ride Bands will be available for purchase each day the festival operates. These bands cost $30 on Saturday and $25 on all other days, providing access to participating carnival rides for the duration of that specific operating day. It is important for attendees to note that carnival games and food purchases are separate from the ride bands.
The festival's operating hours are as follows: On Wednesday and Thursday, the midway will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, hours extend from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday will see the festival run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., while on Sunday, the event will conclude earlier, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
