Southwest Florida Ag Expo runs Feb. 27-March 9
The Southwest Florida Ag Expo will return for 11 days of “Ag-citing Adventure” beginning Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex.
The Lee County-organized event will kick off with a ribbon cutting and $1 admission at 3:30 p.m. on the first day with various promotions to continue through Sunday, March 9,
The expo, which rebranded the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair last year, will again offer all the great food, rides, local entertainment and the animals featured in its launch.
Fun will also include the Creative Living competition, which features eight divisions – two of which are debuting – STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and the Cottage Food divisions, Southwest Florida Ag Expo spokesperson Miriam Dotson said.
Reithoffer Shows will bring the fun this year with amusement rides and attractions featuring spectacular rides to loved kiddie rides.
At the heart of the festivities is Lee County’s agricultural roots, which still run deep.
“You’ll learn something if you go out. I find that more people are interested in the Ag portion of it – the educational aspect and it is still good fun,” she said, adding that they are keeping up with the people with what they want while keeping it interesting. “The younger generation is really interested in all of this. The environment is an important factor for young people. It adds the loyalty to our community – know that Southwest Florida is beaches and agriculture. It’s important that the young and old are all together in one place.”
e the option of purchasing the MEGA PASS for $30 until the expo opens. The pass includes gate admission and a wrist band for unlimited rides for any day of their choice.
General gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 4 to 11, and free for children 3 and under. Retired and active military receive free gate admission every day, all day with a military ID.
Months of preparation to culminate at the Southwest Florida Ag Expo.
Putting the “Ag” in the Expo
A highlight of the event is the efforts of young participants in 4-H, PeeWees of SWFL, and FFA who exhibit projects months in the making.
This year’s theme, “An Ag-citing Adventure Awaits,” highlights the excitement and dedication behind the event, where families can experience the best of agriculture, entertainment, and education in one place.
“For the youth livestock exhibitors, showcasing their animals at the Ag Expo is the culmination of weeks and months of dedication,” organizers said. “The highlight for many youth participants is the Market Animal Auction on the last Saturday of the Ag Expo. Countless hours have been spent feeding, honing their showmanship skills, conditioning and practicing grooming for this event. Raising market steer and swine teaches valuable life skills such as record keeping and animal husbandry, with the ultimate reward being the auction itself, where youth see the results of their hard work.”
Another popular event is the Small Animal Auction on the final Friday of the Ag Expo.
Visitors looking for high-quality poultry, rabbits, or cavies (guinea pigs) can bid on animals raised with great care by local youth. It’s also an opportunity for aspiring 4-H, PeeWees of SWFL, or FFA members to find their next project animal.
Beyond livestock exhibitions, the Ag Expo will feature Fun Show Nights, where families can enjoy events such as Goat Agility, the Horse Costume Contest, and the Feathers Costume Contest.
Livestock Show schedule:
Thursday, Feb. 27
• 7 p.m. Goat Agility Contest
Friday, Feb. 28
• 6 p.m. Goat Costume Contest
• 7:30 p.m. Feathers Fun Costume Contest
Saturday, March 1
• 11 a.m. Performance Horse Show
• Noon Goat Showmanship
• 2 p.m. Feather Showmanship
• 6 p.m. Beef Breeding Show and Showmanship
Sunday, March 2
• 11:30 a.m. Goat Show
Tuesday, March 4
• 6 p.m. Fur Showmanship
Wednesday, March 5
• 6 p.m. Swine Show and Showmanship
• 6 p.m. Fur Fun Costume Contest
Thursday, March 6
• 6 p.m. Steer Show and Showmanship
• 7:30 p.m. Horse Costume Contest
Friday, March 7
• 4:30 p.m. Steer Grooming Show
• 6:30 p.m. Horse Speed Show
• 7 p.m. Small Animal Auction
Saturday, March 8
• 2 p.m. Market Animal Auction
• 6 p.m. Horse Fun Show
The Ag Expo, which will run from Feb. 27 through March 9, will be held at the Lee County Civic Center Complex,11831 Bayshore Road.