New image, new fair, new name, Lee County preps for 'Southwest Florida Ag Expo' on Feb. 29
The first really big event at the fairgrounds in North Fort Myers since Lee County assumed responsibility for operations and events has been set for late winter when the Lee County Civic Center Complex hosts the Southwest Florida Ag Expo.
This year’s Lee County agricultural exposition comes with a new name, but many events will be typical when the gates open to the 100th county fair next month. Ag Expo is Thursday, Feb. 29, through Sunday, March 10.
Ag Expo represents a re-branded continuation of a century of events at the annual fair, with rides, food, entertainment and celebration of the displays of farm goods and animals.
As the county’s agricultural fair, the event has a long focus on events and activities for young people and their 4-H clubs draw a large crowd interested in seeing how the young farmers fared in raising farm animals and growing plants and produce.
In addition to judging animal stock, there are contests, including photography, art, gardening and penmanship, among other creations that will vie for blue, red and white ribbons.
Lee County took over fair in October
Lee County Commissioners started taking some responsibility for the fair and operation of the fairgrounds in early 2023 after a post-Hurricane Ian examination revealed significant damage and wear, some of it long-standing. But buildings and equipment have undergone extensive repair, and county officials say the fair is ready for the crowds that gather for the annual event.
County commissioners took back operations at the fairgrounds after the county and the fair association came to an impasse over a new contract, and the association said it would cancel the fair. The association canceled its plans for the fair and the county officially took it over.
The county's announcement of the dates for the 2024 fair was similar to remarks made by Commission Chair Mike Greenwell in October, when he made it clear that the fair, and everything that it means to Lee County, residents and visitors alike, would continue as a winter tradition.
"Lee County will be running the fair," Greenwell said in October. "The board has always been committed to having a 4-H and Future Farmers of America program as well as a county fair and we will have all of them."
Improvements begin, ADA-focused changes
Lee County has spent nearly $1 million on repairs and upgrades to the fairgrounds including a study that looked at all of the buildings at 100-acre site.
The study by Weston & Sampson of Reading, Mass., was commissioned in February 2022 and paid $360,000.
Including the payment for the building inspection the county has invested $965,398 in physical repairs and investment. They include such items as
∎replacing chillers in the main fairground building for $375,750,
∎spending $108,000 for health and safety repairs, and
∎projects such as making bathrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, at a cost of $24,375.
Lee County aims for inclusive participation at fair
Special events aimed at community groups will be part of the 2024 fair. One example is the county's decision to hold a Sensory Friendly Day at the fair on from 4-6 p.m., Friday, March 1.
Lee County's Miriam Dotson said the Sensory Friendly event is to give families who may have members and friends who otherwise may not be able to enjoy a day at the fair with the opportunity to participate.
"A lot of families have difficulty attending that they just want to attend without the powerful arc lights, or noise from the rides and fair attractions," Dotson said.
"The (standard) lighting may be too harsh for those with a sensory disability, the sounds may be too loud — whether they have one child, or an adult, or another family member, it is an opportunity to enjoy this year's fair in an atmosphere that takes their reactions to sights and sounds," she said.
The late afternoon time schedule is to reduce the need for bright lights in late afternoon. Other special events will be announced for the 2024 fair.
How much does the fair cost in 2024?
Formal announcement of the fair dates was made Monday.
During the past year, commissioners approved funds to fix or replace equipment and making improvements to worn building buildings that had fallen into various stages of disrepair.
Admission prices for this year's fair are $10 for Adults, $5 for children 4-11 years old, and free for children younger than 3.
A single-day $25 “MegaPass” has been created for advance buyers of admission tickets. The ticket gives the buyer unlimited “mechanical” rides and gate admission on any date. The MegaPass, not yet on sale, must be purchased before the gates open February 29.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lee county winter fair is now Southwest Florida Ag Expo opens Feb. 29
