Lee County Fair opens next week
Since 1924, the Lee County Fair has brought happiness to millions of Southwest Florida families.
From Thursday, Feb. 27, until Sunday, March 9, it will do that one more time when it reconvenes for its 90th edition at the Lee Civic Center.
Rides and vendors have already begun to show up in preparation of the event, which last year drew nearly 100,000 people, a near record.
Fran Crone hopes that an array of new attractions and good weather will give the fair even more of a boost.
“We will have a new horse arena and a motor sports arena in which we will have Grasscar lawnmower racing on the first weekend and a demolition derby the second,” Crone said. “We felt like it was a great way to utilize more of the property.”
Like last year, the fair will begin with a sneak-peak on opening night from 6 p.m. until midnight, with admission and all rides $12. The official opening is the next night, which will feature an opening ceremony and free admission and rides from 5 to 6 p.m.
Throughout the fair there will be special nights that give fairgoers a chance to get in at bargain prices. On Monday, Harry Chapin Food Bank Night will offer free admission with a three-can food donation.
Tuesday is $12 Buck Tuesday, with wristbands that price with regular admission, with Wednesday Senior Day. Gates open at 2 p.m., with $5 admission until 6. Coupons will get you in even cheaper.
Crone said the fair will feature senior and veteran oriented attractions on that day, such as entertainment, health screenings, a Veterans Administration booth, the mobile war museum, insurance companies and more.
“We’re hoping to have a good turnout on those days from the seniors and veterans,” Crone said.
Crone added the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is going to offer junior passes, which will be handed out to the elementary schools to allow the children in.
Thursday offers $2 off admission and rides with a coupon.
Except for Wednesday, the fair opens at 5 p.m. daily, noon on weekends.
There will be many acts strolling the fairgrounds such as the One Man Band, Funny Little People, Dinosaur Walk, Scott’s Magic Show and Rock-It the Robot.
Daily acts include the Alligator Show and the Grizzly Experience, and dozens of local singers and dancers will take to the main stage throughout the 11-day event, which will include a talent show.
And what’s a fair without livestock? The 4-H Club will have kids present countless livestock from goats and rabbits, to chickens and pigs at Tinsley Pavilion. At the end of the fair will be the livestock auction.
“We will have more than 300 exhibitors and all the shows with kids up to high school age exhibiting,” Crone said. “We’re hoping for another great year.”
Tickets are available online at swflcfair.com/. Advance pricing is $5 for an adult ticket and $3 for children. $25. At the gate the price will be $8 for an adult and $5 for a child.
Mega passes are $25 and cannot be bought after Feb. 26.