Hate to type this. Been waiting each year for the old days of the fair to come back, but I realize now I live in a different world. A fantasy world now I guess. The funnest parts of the fair for the last 20+ years I've been going have been disappearing slowly. No more cake walk(a chance to win a free CAKE!!??!!), western themed bank robbers shows (put on by LOCALS)each day, the native American dancers performances, little interesting interactive things to do like the volunteer that once brought a huge front wheeled old-timey bicycle (no clue what it's called) and allowed people to take a spin on it which was such a cool unique experience!, the real BANDS(the days of national level bands playing like Marshall Tucker, Kansas, Sevendust etc are long gone but even up to a handful of years ago there were still semi-popular classic bands that were booked) now it's only local acts/bands, and tribute bands, PORKYS FOOD TENT!!!, the HORSE TENT...I'll stop here bcuz there are so many things. But the horse tent being taken down is the worst(and no real bands to see). PBC is supposed to be horse "capital " of the world. There used to be so many almost daily local horse demos, mini "shows" and even occasional training clinics that not only were opportunities for locals to participate in but were more variety of free fun things to watch. Drill team exhibitions, mounted shooting, jumping, trail/obstacle course classes, breed parades...from western to English and ppl could even walk around the stalls and see horses close up that normally never get to see them. There are still livestock shows like the FFA and youth cow, pig, goat etc competitions at least but maybe that's even less than there was at one time. There used to be 3 tents in the ag area, one bird, rabbit, and one dedicated to boy scouts, FWC, fishing and other outdoor organisations for ppl to learn about. Now there is one tent. I'm not even sure what's in it now as I didn't even bother to go in thisyear. I have wanted to tell the ppl in charge this for years but I know it doesn't matter what my opinion is. And maybe it's just bcuz of the distancing of ppl from the natural world, so maybe it was all inevitable. Maybe it's bcuz the insurance for any/all of the aforementioned past events is too much for even the fair to want to handle(dont let ppl do things that they could sue us for!). One more thing to note: the entire horse arena that was tore down has "fake" stuffed farm animals in it's place this year, supposedly with the theme of teaching kids how to care for farm animals. Which, not complaining about that exhibit, but the fact that it literally replaced REAL animals and REAL farmers and horse experts to interact w kids instead. This is entirely too long, but I'm actually only writing this here in hopes the higher ups see it. Eh. Ppl will just think I'm being...
Read moreThis place is sooo amazing. The staff is super nice and professional and goes above and beyond to serve you. The shows and live music bands are the best part ! They even have comedians and magicians! Although they need to have more ticket booths for the rides place all over. The prices are fair the food is delicious. My gyro was my favorite food the ice skating show was my favorite show the beatles tribute was my favorite band and steve trash my favorite magician. Even the vendors are super nice and have great products that make for great shopping. I wish there were a few more animals but the Circus show was fun! Lots of great rides so well organized that kiddie rides are in the front and adult rides in the back. The best part was having benches, picnic tables, giant umbrellas and EVEN free charging stations all round for your phone. This is a very well plan fair and kudos for whoever organized it. I hate going tp fairs where I have to eat my food standing up or my kids are tired and can't sit or my friend can't breastfeed her child because there isn't one bench available. This fair is so family friendly you have more than adequate seating and bathrooms spread all around which by the way are the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen in my life with sweet personal attendants in each one to take care of your every need. They also have great exhibits and I love the air conditioning inside portions that give you a break from Florida heat. They even have mist outside to keep you cool. They have good security to keep things running smooth. It was so big we walked around for 9 hours and couldn't see everything but it was the...
Read moreThe South Florida Fair is my number one favorite attraction in South Florida! From delicious fair food to unique entertainment, there's something for everyone at the fair. Every year I go to the fair at least three times because there's so much to do and I always want to bring friends with me. A super fun each of the fair is their caricature artists - one year I brought a photo from my wedding to the fair and one of the artists drew a caricature version from our wedding day! I was so pleased that he was able to do this for us, it was super special! The fair food here is unmatched: my favorites are BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese, the giant mozzarella stick, and apple cider donuts! The best drink to get at the fair is from Mama jugs - there are so many sweet tea flavors to choose from and you can buy a jug to refill throughout the day. I love how the fair changes its theme every year. I'm a huge fan of the fair so I always read the newsletter and get excited when they announce the upcoming fair's theme. It makes the fair super fun and interesting and attracts new booths and businesses. Speaking of booths, I always take a full fair day just to shop because there are so many great booth setups! Food, cowboy hats, jewelry, artwork, you name it! It's always a pleasure talking with people at the booths - I don't know what it is about the people here but they are all so sweet and I could talk to any of them for hours as if they were my family!! Thank you to everyone involved in creating the fair, you have given me so many amazing memories with my friends...
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