Ready for the 2022 Manatee County Fair? Here are 5 things not to miss
January is Manatee County Fair season, and the beloved tradition returns in 2022 with plenty of fun in store.
The event brings 11 days jam-packed with shows, food, music, rides, animals and agricultural displays to the fairgrounds in Palmetto.
Whether it’s your first rodeo or you’re a seasoned fairgoer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s a roundup of experiences you won’t want to miss at the 106th annual Manatee County Fair, including a few offerings that are new this year.
A note on COVID-19: At this year’s event, mask use will be optional in and outdoors. Social distancing signage and hand sanitizing stations will be in place throughout the fairgrounds, organizers say.
Up close with animals
The Manatee County Fair is full of chances to see cute critters, including:
- Giraffic Park Menagerie and Zoo, a petting zoo experience, is open each day of the fair;
- Camel educational shows and rides;
- The Hollywood Racing Pigs will bring a daily dose of porcine playfulness;
- “Wolves of the World,” a new attraction at this year’s fair, is an educational program featuring live wolves.
Fair food
Nothing says fair season like taking a bite of some scrumptious eats on the midway.
Fried delights and desserts will be there, as well pizza, barbecue, hot dogs and corn dogs, lemonade and much more.
Midway rides
A midway by Belle City Amusements will bring dozens of spinning, whizzing and flying rides for all ages to the fairgrounds.
Armband specials for unlimited access to rides will be offered each day of the fair. Full schedule below:
- Jan. 13, 5-10 p.m.; $22
- Jan. 14, 5 p.m.-midnight; $22
- Jan. 15, Noon-midnight; $25
- Jan. 16, 1-10 p.m.; $25
- Jan. 17, Noon-10 p.m.; $25
- Jan. 18, 5-10 p.m.; $20
- Jan. 19, 3-10 p.m.; $22
- Jan. 20, 5-10 p.m.; $15
- Jan. 21, 5 p.m.-midnight; $22
- Jan. 22 Noon-midnight; $25
- Jan. 23 1-7 p.m.; $22
Shows, music and ceremonies
There is live entertainment every day of the Manatee County Fair, including strolling acts and stage shows.
Some entertainment highlights this year:
- Circus Hollywood will bring an exciting big top show to the fairgrounds this year, with performances daily.
- The Dennis Lee Show will combine live music, comedy and family fun daily on the main stage.
- Lew McDowell’s Cowboy Camp and Cowboy Poetry will bring some Old West fun to the fairgrounds, with a life size stagecoach, a firepit and tales of Manatee County’s cowboy past.
- A spaghetti-eating contest will happen at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.
- Christian country trio Cain will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.
- The fair’s 26th annual cheerleading competition happens 6 p.m. Jan. 17.
- A Veteran’s Tribute Ceremony featuring speakers and a parade happens at 7 p.m. Jan. 18.
- Voices of Classic Soul, a vocal group whose members previously sang with the Temptations, Platters, the Four Tops and the Drifters, will perform at 6 p.m. Jan. 19.
- The 12th annual whip popping contest will happen at noon Jan. 22.
- A doughnut-eating contest will happen at 5 p.m. on Jan. 22.
Agriculture and art on display
A trip to the Manatee County Fair wouldn’t be complete without taking in some of the local talent on display in agriculture and the arts.
4-H and Future Farmers of America exhibitions are a daily attraction at the fair. See steer, dairy cows, swine and poultry competitions. Rabbit showmanship and a dog show are also on the schedule. Decorated hay bales will be on display on the fairgrounds.
The Chaires Building is home to a giant display of arts and crafts each year. See which photos, quilts and other crafts took home the first place ribbons.
Fair admission specials:
Special deals on fair entry will be offered on select days.
- Jan. 13: First day special; Ages 13 and up: $6. Ages 6-12: $3.
- Jan. 17: “Kid’s Day at the Fair” sponsored by Woodruff and Sons Inc.; All children and students with school ID get in free from noon-3 p.m.
- Jan. 18: Free gate for all fairgoers sponsored by Palmetto Build; Free entry from 5-10 p.m.
- Jan. 19: Senior Day; Senior entry is $6.00 from noon-10 p.m.
This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 5:00 AM.