JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The gates officially opened Thursday evening at the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, which is celebrating its 65th year.
The event, located in downtown Jacksonville, is the largest fair/festival in Northeast Florida. It’s expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors -- younger and older.
The fair was canceled last year because of COVID-19, and many have been anticipating its return. It will be in town through Sunday, Nov. 14.
The fair returns with the exhibition hall, concerts, animals, food, rides, contests and more. You can try some Chu-Chu’s Boba Tea, grab a gourmet candied apple at Apple Divas, or get something off the grill at Bubba’s Bacon.
A big part of the fair -- to show visitors where their food and products come from.
Grace Carter works with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“What we’re doing is really hoping to introduce people who are coming out to the fair to livestock, give them an opportunity to meet them up close. And then also learn some things about animals,” Carter said.
This year, the fair will not require a mask or vaccination, but will be taking safety precautions such as hand sanitizing stations, a self-service kiosk at the gate, and spacing out rides and food.
The theme for the fair this year is “Back to the fun.” But safety comes first.
“For COVID this year, we’re kind of spacing things out a little bit more than then past years. And we have hand sanitizers everywhere,” said Bill Olson, president of the Jacksonville Fair Association. “We have had the ride inspectors out here since Monday... so as the rides are finished setting up they are inspecting them making sure everything is good to go.”
Olson said it’s a thrill to have the fair back.
“It’s kind of depressing last November not having the fair. So it’s really good to be back, you know, back to the fun,” he said.
Ticket prices range from $5 (advance admission) to $10. Those prices are for fair admission only. Rides must be purchased separately. The hours vary each day, but the admissions gates will close one hour prior to the fair closing.
When it comes to parking in the stadium lots by the fairgrounds, you can only use a credit card to pay.
Click here for more information. Click here to see the event calendar.