Manatee County Fair Opens Jan. 13 In Palmetto

PALMETTO, FL — The 106th annual Manatee County Fair opens Jan. 13 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W. in Palmetto, and runs through Jan. 23.

The annual event features arts and crafts exhibits, entertainment, fair food, rides, and one of the largest 4-H and Future Farmers of America youth livestock shows in Florida, the fair shared on Facebook.

The fair will also feature a tribute to those killed in the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers and a hale bay decorating contest from 4-H and FFA members, according to the fair website.

Fair entertainment and attractions includes a Fair Queen Pageant, the 18th annual Baby Pageant, the 24th annual Cheerleading Competition, a Whip Popping Contest, Circus Hollywood’s “Entertain You,” Wolves of the World, the Dennis Lee Show, Pirate Dan, the Giraffic Park Menagerie featuring Melman, the Plant Guy and Lew McDowell’s Cowboy Camp and Cowboy Poetry, Hollywood Racing Pigs, camel educational demonstrations and camel rides, and Marc Dobson’s One-Man Band.

General admission to the fair is $10 for those 13 and older, $6 for children ages 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and younger and $6 for members of the military. Parking is $10.

On opening day, entry is $6 for those 13 and older and $3 for children 6 to 12 years old.

Children and students with a school ID enter for free Jan. 17, noon to 3 p.m., for Woodruff and Son’s “Kids Day at the Fair.

All fairgoers can enter for free Jan. 18, 5 to 10 p.m. This is sponsored by Palmetto Build. Senior can enter the fair for $6 Jan. 19, noon to 10 p.m.

Despite the current surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, the Manatee River Fair Association said masks are optional in all buildings at the fairgrounds and not required outdoors, according to the fair website.

Social distancing will be encouraged through directional signage at the fairgrounds and hand sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the venue.

Learn more about the fair here.