THOMASVILLE- The 65th Annual Deep South Fair is returning to the Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds on October 10, 2023, bringing various vendors, entertainment and rides for all to enjoy.

The fair will bring a variety of rides, ranging from kiddie rides and bounce houses to thrill rides for the older kids. Additionally, everyone’s favorite carnival foods such as candy apples and funnel cake will be widely available throughout the midway.

While attendees can expect their favorite usuals, fair organizer Lee Gerald, said the Exchange Club of Thomasville has also added “The Cage of Death,” which features two motorcycles defying gravity and circling the cage, while a female stands in the center.

Fair manager Jeff McCutchen explained the “Cage of Death” used to be a staple at the fair and many of the older Exchange Club members had been looking for a way to bring it back.

“Years ago we had the Cage of Death and it’s been talked about ever since then,” McCutchen said. “We got with Modern Midway, who gave us some recommendations of who to reach out to, so we could bring it back again.”

The response to the “Cage of Death” has been enormous with many individuals sharing their excitement on social media.

“It just gets bigger every year and we are really excited to add this into the mix,” Gerald said.

The motorcycles will enter the “Cage of Death” periodically throughout the week, with multiple performances a day, allowing everyone to enjoy the daring tricks.

The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, allowing everyone to venture in and see “The Cage of Death,” along with the Demolition Derby later that evening at 7 p.m.

There is a $10 entry fee Tuesday- Saturday, while children ages 5 and under get in free. On Saturday, children ages 12 and under will get in free until 5:30 p.m.

For the fairground, unlimited ride armbands are sold for $30 at the gate or can be purchased in advance on the Exchange Club’s website for $25.

The Demolition Derby will not require any additional armbands or tickets. It will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7 p.m. with the kid’s PowerWheel Derby held on Saturday evening. All PowerWheel Derby entrants must fill out their registration by October 9, so organizers know how many awards to purchase.

For families with multiple children, Wednesday is BOGO armband day.

With the support from local sponsors Thomasville Toyota and Thomasville Ford Lincoln, the first 200 guests will get in free on Wednesday. There will also be a deal for those who buy one unlimited ride armband, they will receive an additional one at no charge.

While children enjoy the rides and food, Gerald said they have also added new vendors in the pavilion, selling handmade crafts for parents to browse, while their children get their faces painted.

The proceeds gained from both the purchase of wristbands and other trinkets, will help Thomasville Exchange Club continue on its mission to prevent child abuse.

“We are really looking forward to seeing everyone come out and have a great time,” Gerald said.

McCutchen echoed that sentiment, saying he’s been studying the forecast for weeks and is looking forward to great weather and a great time for all.

For additional information on individual and bulk ticket prices, along with derby rules, visit www.deepsouthfairgrounds.com/fair.