Tickets on sale for Lee County Fair
The end of winter is coming, which means it’s only a matter of weeks before the 91st annual Lee County Fair returns to the Lee Civic Center.
The countdown clock has begun on the fair website and will stop at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, when the fair opens and runs through Sunday, March 8.
The ever-popular Mega Pass is on sale now, along with advance gate admission tickets.
Fran Crone said ticket sales, which actually started on Black Friday as a way to give “stocking stuffers” to the kids in time for Christmas, are strong.
“We’ve always done a promotion for stocking stuffers. Considering it’s the beginning, we’re happy with the sales,” Crone said.
Advance children’s tickets are $3, advance adults are $5, and daylong Mega passes, which includes unlimited rides except during Moonlight Madness, are $25 and can only be purchased in advance online or at authorized outlets.
Crone said one of the new promotions will be $2 Thursday, with admission and rides offered at that price.
The fair that has been “Making Memories Since 1924” is getting ready to bring new rides, livestock events and a spectacular range of shows and demonstrations.
While the running order and schedules have yet to be released, this year promises new shows for the family to enjoy.
Among the new offerings will be the hay bale decorating contest and the “Glue a Shoe” contest.
New performances include a high-wire act called “Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean” at the car park, and the Banana Derby, which will feature small monkeys that ride dogs in a race, Crone said.
Another attraction will be a free trout pond, which will be built in the arena, so children can catch (and release) the big one.
Livestock has always been the backbone of the fair, as it is at most fairs. Exhibitors, who must register their animals in the fall and keep a complete record book of their project, compete in shows and competitions pertaining to their animal throughout the fair.
Animals ranging from chickens to rabbits to steers will all be exhibited and competing for the best in show.
“Registration is good. The kids have worked hard and are ready to get them ready for February,” Crone said.
Creative Living and Horticulture registrations are still being accepted, and online registration is encouraged. Crone said more than 300 have preregistered, with some new and fun categories.
Entry dates and times, pre-registration, age categories and general rules can be found online at www.swflcfair.com.
For information and tickets visit the website at www.swflcfair.com or www.leeciviccenter.com