Here are 10 fun things to do at the Manatee County Fair
This year’s Manatee County Fair has heaping hay bales worth of fun in store for folks of all ages.
Now in its 104th year, the fair is bringing 11 days of rides, food, live music, agricultural exhibits and more to the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. It started Jan. 16 and runs through Jan. 26.
Highlights include a bustling midway, performances by big names in country and Christian music and a veterans night with a special guest speaker and patriotic songs.
And of course, there will be plenty of indulgent treats to sample.
Here are 10 exciting things to look forward to at the fairgrounds.
Veterans night
Manatee County Fair will honor the service of U.S. military members with a veterans night on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Jessica Lynch, a former Army private first class who was taken prisoner of war in Iraq in 2003, will be the keynote speaker.
Darryl Worley, singer of popular patriotic anthem “Have You Forgotten?” will perform.
A veterans parade will start near the entrance of Veterans Hall. Veterans who wish to participate should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m.
Faith-based organization Palmetto Build is sponsoring the evening, so admission is free for all fairgoers at the gate.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Jan. 21.
Midway magic
A midway packed with carnival rides and games is one of the prime attractions of the fairgrounds.
Armband specials offering unlimited thrills for serious riders are available each day of the fair. Midway hours and armband prices are below:
▪ Monday, Jan. 20: Noon-10 p.m.; $25.
▪ Tuesday, Jan. 21: 5-10 p.m.; $20.
▪ Wednesday, Jan. 22: 3-10 p.m.; $22.
▪ Thursday, Jan. 23: 5-10 p.m.; $15.
▪ Friday, Jan. 24: 5 p.m.-midnight; $22.
▪ Saturday, Jan. 25: Noon-midnight; $25.
▪ Sunday, Jan. 26: Noon- 7 p.m.; $22.
Fair food
Fair organizers promise “a smorgasbord of food” at this year’s event, including: pizza, pretzels, corn dogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, seafood, nuts, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, fudge, funnel cakes, strawberry shortcake, elephant ears, cotton candy, candy apples, doughnuts and kettle corn.
Phew...who’s hungry?
Headliners
This year, featured performances include country staple Restless Heart and country newcomer Tony Jackson; Christian rock band Unspoken, Elvis impersonator Billy Lindsey and family comedian Andrew Stanley.
Seats for shows at the fair are first-come, first-served, so get to the entertainment tent early if you don’t want to miss out.
Main stage entertainment:
▪ Elvis impersonator Billy Lindsey, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
▪ Andrew Stanley Family Comedy Night, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
▪ Tony Jackson, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Shows
The Manatee County Fair is packed with entertainment options, from strolling acts to comedians and storytellers.
New this year is a “Three Ring Super Circus” that promises thrills, laughs and daring feats. It will show multiple times a day.
Other new daily shows include Agricadabra’s educational “Magic of Agriculture” and Danny Grant’s “Cowboy Circus.”
Agriculture fun
The fair is a fun way to explore Manatee County’s agricultural heritage and traditions, which remain strong to this day.
4-H and FFA events include showings of swine, dairy cows, beef cows, goats, rabbits, dogs and poultry.
There are also several livestock auctions scheduled.
Visit manateecountyfair.com for more info.
Walk the grounds and gardens
The Master Gardeners’ Educational Garden will open for visitors to enjoy with a showing of flowers, herbs and other ornamentals as well as demonstrations and planting advice.
Other sights on the fairgrounds include decorated hay bales and exhibits by local government and businesses.
Animals
Among other fun animal encounters that await at the fair is the Show-Me Safari Petting Zoo. The zoo offers up-close encounters with a host of unusual (and adorable) livestock breeds like painted desert sheep, zebu, llamas and Highland cattle — plus the odd kangaroo or tortoise.
Next door, some fine swine will line up to compete throughout the day during Show-Me Safari’s Racing Pigs event.
Arts and crafts
The arts and crafts exhibits in the Chaires Building are a great place to see the best of the community’s creativity on display.
See art, photos, needlework, foods and more created by local kids and adults and find out who took home top prizes.
As always, there will be vendors selling all kinds of goodies.
And for one night only, the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association will host a plant show and sale. It starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 in the Mosaic Arena.
Pageants
Who’s got the looks? Find out during this year’s pageants at the Manatee County Fair.
A doggy pageant will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 18 in the Main Auditorium on the fairgrounds. Categories include best smile, best hair, most photogenic and several costume categories.
A baby pageant with categories for children up to six years old will happen from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 25 in the Kendrick Auditorium on the fairgrounds.
Chances are also good for saying hello to the Manatee County Fair Queens, who were crowned in October.
Details: Jan. 16-26. Ages 13 and up: $10. Ages 6-12: $6. Seniors: $9. Military: $6. with Active Status I.D. Children 5 and under: free.
Info: manateecountyfair.com.
This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 7:55 AM.