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 gave scholarships to each of the four Columbia County High Schools.  The Association makes contributions to the following charities:  Red Cross, Camp Rainbow, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, 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 features the World Famous Drew Expositions, BMX Stunt Show, Master Chainsaw Carvings, Eudora’s Petting Zoo, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Apollo Night at the Fair and nightly entertainment. Of course it had rides, games, thrill show, crafters, 4-H Exhibits, FFA, and much more. The first fair was held more than two decades ago and has grown over the years to become one of the finest fairs held in East Georgia.   In 1994, the merchants purchased property for a permanent Columbia County Fairgrounds on Columbia Road. 

The Merchants Association also sponsors the Miss Columbia County Fair Pageant each fall.  $1000 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 fairgrounds and facilities are available for rent at a nominal fee to other non-profit organizations. To rent grounds please download rental agreement, fill out, and follow instructions.

The association also sponsors the annual Martinez-Evans Christmas parade held the first Sunday in December.   It is a fun way to get your holidays off to a great start.