FLORIDA FAIR NEWS CONTINUED.………...………………………………………….


“Celebrating 25 Years of a


Wheelin’ Squealin’ Good Time”


cultural Fair will use the above theme for the 25th Annual Fair. The fair is set for March 31 - April 9, 2011. We are planning to make it a real celebration. We are proud of the many accomplishments in 25 short years. The Board has approved moving the main gate entrance


The Clay County Agri-


to improve efficiency and appearance. This will be a chal- lenge to complete prior to the opening but we feel like we can “Get ‘er done.” The hold up is permitting and other events on the fairgrounds but we’re excited to make this part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration. This will allow us to implement some of the ideas we’ve seen while visiting other Florida Fairs. One change will be adding another Guest Services building at the main gate as well as first aid and possibly a young mother’s tent for breast feeding, changing, and just relaxing. Opening day will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony. All


previous Board of Directors will be invited along with the local dignitaries. Special guest will be Claude Kelly, often referred to as the “Father of the Fair.” He is still involved at 95 years old. Opening day will again be “Dollar Day.” Admission will be


$1 and all rides will be $1 each. Gates open at noon to give our guests an opportunity to come in the afternoon or night to take advantage of the reduced prices. The High School Night of Competition will again be held


in the Cattlemen’s Arena on opening night. Local High Schools compete in the following games: Tug-o-War, Cow Milking, Cow Patty Toss, Land-Skiing, and Current Event questions to each team. The top three teams will win cash awards for their schools. Local DJ’s, Judges, Mascots, Stu- dents and Cheerleaders combine for a fun evening. This year we plan to add a school “Spirit Award,” which will ro- tate to the winning school each year. Friday’s daily theme has not been finalized. Our hope is


to partner with one of the local TV stations. School will be in session so we will not open until 2:00 PM. We will have a Midway Wristband promotion ($20 each, sold 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, good ‘til closing); Southern Mower Madness Lawnmower Racing will again be the main entertainment in the Cattlemen’s Arena. It will include a Pit Party and Lawn Mower Races both in the afternoon and evening. Saturday is “Rodeo Day.” The Florida High School Rodeo


participants will compete in two shows, 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This spectacular event is one of the competition stops on the circuit for the Florida High School Rodeo Associa- tion. We are proud to be involved with this group of High School students from across the state. Sunday will be “Family Day.” This year we will feature a


chili cook-off to benefit our Scholarship Program. Plans are to have 25 teams compete for prizes and trophies. Sponge


Bob & Dora will be on hand to make it a special day for the kids. It’s exciting to add this entertainment to our “Family A*Fair.” Monday will be “Think Green Day.” Admission will be Half


Price with 2 canned-goods that will benefit the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs. We will spotlight on our recycling effort. Tuesday is “Clay’s Got Talent Night” sponsored by WQIK,


our local country radio partner. Our annual Talent Contest for junior and senior division will take place as well as a performance by the All-Starz Dance Studio. In addition, we will have “Twelve Buck Tuesday” on the Midway. That will feature our lowest wristband promotion of the Fair. This is our third year of this successful promotion. Wednesday is “Coke Night,” sponsored by Coca-Cola.


Entertainment will feature Randy Houser with Brett El- dredge as the opening act. Thursday will be “Senior Day” with gates opening at Noon


and the midway opening at 4PM. This allows seniors time to enjoy the Fair when it’s less crowded. Our entertainment will be Dennis Lee in the afternoon and John Anderson in concert in the evening. We are excited that Dennis Lee will be performing for the first time at our Fair. I know he has performed at many of the Florida Fairs. We saw him on Senior Day at Volusia and he was great interacting with the seniors. Friday is “Youth Agriculture Day” featuring our Livestock


Buyers Dinner followed by the 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock Sale. Entertainment in the Cattlemen’s Arena will be Jerrod Niemann. Saturday is “Celebrate Clay Day at the Fair” The enter-


tainer for the evening will be Easton Corbin. One of the most popular exhibits at the Fair is our Early


Florida Pioneer Village. Demonstrators dress for the period and demonstrate their skills to show how life was in the old days in Florida, especially Clay County Florida. This popu- lar stop for our guests includes: food sampling, educational exhibits, such as the Master Gardeners Heritage Garden, and entertainment. Many capital improvements were made in the off-season. This should only improve the guest ex- perience. The Painting & Photography Exhibit will again feature


demonstrations and interactive events. Tony Ryals will per- form several demos by painting with his mouth. Daily entertainment will include: Ron Diamond –Hypnotist


& Magic Show, Willy’s Washboard Jamboree, Rosaire’s Royal Pig Races, World Famous Disc-Connected K-9-s Frisbee Dog Team, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Kan- Du Magic Show, Frog Jumping Shows and Show Me Safari Petting Zoo with Camel and Pony Rides. Sunshine & Smiles and Cheerios & Bubblegum will again


perform face painting in the exhibit building. In addition, our Community Stage will feature local acts daily through out the Fair. Last year over 500 people performed on stage. Yes, we’ll be “Celebrating 25 Years of a Wheelin’


Squealin’ Good Time.” We hope you can join the fun. Visit us online at www.claycountyfair.org.


Remember…...all the Convention information can be found at www.floridafairs.org 20


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