The 74th Annual Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show & Osceola County Fair
#Educate, #Showcase, #Celebrate and #AGVOCATE
February 9th-18th, 2018 The Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show has been a part of
Osceola County Heritage for nearly 74 years promoting Agriculture and the education of area youth. Throughout the years, the 501c3 Non-Profit organization has seen many changes, embracing the modern-day fair and work- ing hard to advertise and develop their annual Osceola County Fair in an effort to continue to serve its youth ex- hibitors and farming and ranching communities as best possible. Since 2005 they have awarded more than $72,000 in educational scholarships, hosted an annual live- stock auction grossing an average of $400,000, and each year distributes more than $50,000 in premiums, ribbons, and awards. With the support of extremely generous busi- nesses and individual donors, KVLS & the Osceola County Fair has been able to both entertain the entire Central Flor- ida Community, while preserving the traditions of many earlier generations. KVLS returned to those roots and concentrated on edu-
cating even more individuals about the importance of Agri- culture. General Manager, Miranda Muir stated, “Most peo- ple do not realize how profoundly their lives are impacted by farmers and ranchers and it was our mission to get back to the basics of our event, educating all ages and all walks of life about agriculture.” As such, the 2018 Osceola Coun- ty Fair was themed #AGVOCATE. The hash tag helped celebrate the Fair, many new events and areas, and Osceo- la County’s roots while introducing the public to modern agriculture, the science and technology involved, and at- tracted a new market of individuals. The theme was de- signed to merge the trends of today with the celebration and education of the agricultural industry. In an effort to educate, showcase and #Agvocate we un-
veiled our most ambitious project to date, the H.A.Y.L.O.F.T. (Helping All Youth Lean of Farming and Technology.) The 11,000 square feet, interactive, hands-on agriculture education exhibit featured various stations where our young guests were able to simulate milking a cow, grooming a sheep, driving a tractor, planting vegeta- bles, roping a calf, gather eggs and race a thoroughbred. The H.A.Y.L.O.F.T. also included Tom Umiker’s A
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Agexhibit and our LEGO play area in addition to a great tractor display provided by Everglades Farm Equipment. Strolling act, Dan Dan the Farmer Man and his Cornball
FAIRCRACKER-SPRING 2018
Clodhopper Rainmaker Machine was a great addition to our #AGVOCATE initiative and was a huge hit with our guests. As always, our biggest #AGVOCATE initiative has
always been our livestock programs; our barns and tents were at capacity this year, our 4-H and FFA ex- hibitors never seem to disappoint in or out of the showring. Their commitment, dedication and passion for livestock and agriculture is proof that our future is in good hands. Making their Osceola County Fair debut was Team
Rock Ninja Experience. This team of martial arts ex- perts wowed with high-flying, jaw-dropping perfor- mances that showcase an extraordinary display of ex- treme breaking and theatrics. Imitation Sensations - Ann-Margaret, Ricky Nelson and Elvis kicked off our Salute to Seniors and Opening Day events. Returning for an encore performance this year was Thomas and Friends Meet & Greet and Sing a Long Adventure and The Conjurer. Fair favorites, Eudora Exotic Petting Farms, Rosaries Royal Racers and Nashville recording artists Kari & Billy also returned to entertain guests. The Miss Osceola Pageant, in its fourth year, saw an
increase in contestants. Morgan Boykin, our current Miss Osceola did a fantastic job representing the Osce- ola County Fair and helping us to #AGVOCATE this year. As always, the Strates Carnival once again stepped
up to the plate and provided over 80 exciting rides and amusements for guests to enjoy. It is always a pleas- ure to work with a great team of individuals who not only are invested in your event but who are also a part of our community. As the lights go off on the Ferris Wheel for the last
time we all can honestly say the 74th Annual Kis- simmee Valley Livestock Show & Osceola County Fair was a personal labor of love for the entire staff, board, membership and exhibitors. And after getting at least 9 hours of sleep, we will
back on our feet ready to tackle 2019. OSCEOLA COUNY FAIR MANAGER
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RECIVES IAFE RISING STAR AWARD SEE PAGE 24
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