A fun family outing on a beautiful Fall day works wonders for the spirit.  It’s almost time for the annual North Georgia State Fair, so plan on joining in on the festivities.

Residents forced to tighten their belts as a result of the economy can look to the annual North Georgia State Fair for family fun that won’t break the bank. After all, the fair which is celebrating its 77th year, began during the Great Depression.

The tradition of fun rides, concerts, food and attractions continues when the fair comes to Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road SW, in Marietta from Sept. 24 through Oct. 4. The fair attracts nearly 300,000 people from throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia each year. It’s considered the second largest fair in the state.

“The North Georgia State Fair is still the best value for the family entertainment dollar. Our concerts are free with admission, and we offer plenty of discount and ride specials that are all available on our Web site,” said Tod Miller, fair manager.

New to the fair this year is the Skin & Bones Comedy Circus, a family circus variety show with clowns and animals.

Regular tickets can be purchased at the gate at $5 for adults; $2 for students ages 7 to 18; and free for children 6 and younger. Ride tickets are $1 each (all rides require more than one ticket); $20 for 22 tickets; and $50 for 55 tickets. Parking is $3.

Advance tickets can be purchased for $3.50 for adults; $1 for students ages 7 to 18; and $11 for a sheet of 22 ride tickets. There is a $1 fee for postage and handling. To order tickets by credit card, visit northgeorgiastatefair.com or send a check or money order to: North Georgia State Fair, P.O. Box 777, Kennesaw, GA 30156. Orders must be postmarked by Sept. 19.

The fair is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays; and 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.