History

The Merchants Association of Columbia County was established in 1962. It is a non-profit organization made up of local merchants and business people who are volunteering to make our community a better place to live and do business.

The Merchants Association gives scholarships to each of the five Columbia County High Schools. The Association makes contributions to the following charities: Red Cross, Camp Rainbow, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Easter Seals, Martinez-Evans Little League, Columbia County Cares, MCG Grandparents Program, Juvenile Diabetes, and Southeast Burn Foundation. The major project of the Merchants Association has been the annual Columbia County Fair, which runs for 10 days. This year’s fair will be held November 3rd through November 13th, 2022. It will feature the World Famous Drew Exposition, Fabulous Rides, Master Chainsaw Carvings, Eudora’s Petting Zoo and nightly entertainment. Of course, it has games, thrill shows, crafters, Exhibits, FFA, and much more. The first fair was held more than five decades ago and has grown over the years to become one of the finest fairs held in East Georgia. In 1994, the Merchants Association purchased property for a permanent Columbia County Fairgrounds on Columbia Road.

The Merchants Association also sponsors the Miss Columbia County Fair Pageant each fall. $1800 annually for scholarships has been given to the pageant winner and three runners-up. The winner goes on to compete in the annual Southeastern States Fair Queen pageant in Atlanta. The annual Columbia County Christmas Parade held the first Sunday in December is also sponsored by the Merchants Association, creating a fun way to get your holidays off to a great start.