The Atlanta Fair is a hectic place. Maybe loud isn’t the right word to describe the environment. Across from Turner Field and a block away from rushing Interstate 75, sweaty parents and sugar-filled kids walk the aisles. It’s rich, layered with the mechanical noises of traveling carnival rides, hollering carnies and frying food. In a way, it’s the stark opposite of where the city stood two years ago, tidily tucked in our homes, wondering if we should be washing our groceries or stocking up on toilet paper. Here, people crowd together, maskless, waiting to get on rides or pack into a funhouse. It’s the perfect family outing in a post-covid world, catering to those who are ready to get back to normal life.
This year they opened their gates for the first spring carnival since COVID-19, welcoming guests from March 4th to April 10th. According to the official website, the Atlanta Fair prides itself on being the “only urban fair” in the city, offering the best of fair food and only the fastest rides for true thrill-seekers. According to Secret Atlanta, the crowned jewel of the event is the new yeti-themed attraction, “Expedition,” “a brand-new, speedy thrill ride that will send riders’ heads spinning.”
Near the front of the park, Natasha Johnson watches as her 12-year-old twins climb onto a ride. It’s marked the “Flying Dutchman,” a rotating boat ride decorated in 3D renderings of mermaids. “I watched the ride for a little bit before I let the kids ride,” she explains. “One is a thrill-seeker and one isn’t a risk-taker. We talked her into it to confront her fears.”
Johnson, along with her two children, were regular fair-goers before the pandemic. The last time they went was back in 2019. “I haven’t been to the fair since COVID,” she says. “We’ve been waiting for things to get back to normal.” Today they came for thrills, fun and a place to gather as a family.
Similarly, Jessica Canstenda was visiting with her sister and mom, looking to get out of the house and spend time together. “The last time we went to a fair or carnival was two years ago,” she says. “We went to the state fair. It’s a good way to get together with your family without spending a lot of money.” Her favorite part about visiting? “I like winning goldfish,” she says. “I just won one. My last one lasted four months!”
The Atlanta Fair employees are excited to be back too. Curtis P., who preferred to leave out his last name, has been there since opening day working at Nagel’s Grill, a food cart serving up Polish-inspired sausages. “I’ve done this before,” he says. “A friend had told me that (The Fair) was hiring and I thought it would be fun.” Here, he spends his evenings in front of the grill doing anything from frying onions to talking to customers. “I do everything. I cook, I serve guests,” he says. “I love to see everyone here. There’s a lot of positive folks.”
Although the Atlanta fair closed up on the 10th, you can still get the carnival experience elsewhere. Later this month the Georgia State fair will be opening up, welcoming guests during this unique “post-demic” time. You can buy tickets here.
