Governor in Perry to help open Ga. National Fair | Houston & Peach | Macon.com

Gary Black, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture, provided a moving rendition of “God Bless America” as part of his plea for resolution of the funding battle in Washington.

The guest speaker was Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and first lady Sandra Deal, who both expressed their appreciation for the fair.

When he was a youth, Deal used to show hogs and cattle as part of his participation in 4-H and FFA activities, Gene Sutherland, chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, said during his introduction speech.

“He loves these fairgrounds,” Sutherland said of Deal.

Deal said people were talking about his suit and tie at the fair. He had another function to attend after his speech or else he would have been in boots and jeans, he told the crowd.

Fall is a time for him to think back on his days showing livestock.

“When I got out of the car and smelled those fresh shavings, it brought back a lot of fond memories,” Deal said.

More than 3,600 animals will be shown during the fair’s 11-day run.

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