The Clay County Agricultural Fair Returns to the First Coast

Thanks to the Clay County Fair for sponsoring this post and providing a fun and educational experience for families and fair guests.

Kids and grown-ups alike look forward to the Clay County Agricultural Fair every year. In fact, folks have been making memories here since 1987 — last year’s fair even brought in a record-breaking 157,000 attendees! Celebrating with the theme, “Lucky 4 the Fair,” this year’s mostly volunteer-run Clay County Fair offers some new features and fun for the whole family.

Located in Green Cove Springs, the 2024 Clay County Agricultural Fair kicks off April 4 and runs through April 14. Discount tickets and armbands in advance are available online now until April 3. 

New Fair Hours + Special Discount Days

The Clay County Fair will be opening even earlier than in years’ past on most days; check out their hours online. On Tuesday, April 9, families can donate canned goods, pet supplies, and/or school supplies to receive $5 admission for “Our Fair Cares Day.” For guests with special needs or sensory sensitivities, the fair will be implementing “Sunflower Hours” on Saturday, April 6, from 8–10 a.m. — there will be no gate admission during this quieter time but families must register in advance here. The fair also offers daily deals and special admission rates on certain days for military, seniors, law enforcement, teachers, and more.

Entertainment for All Ages

From contests to concerts, there is something at the fair for everyone in the family! Got a competitive streak? Check out the Hay Bale Decorating, Mullet Matchup, or Husband Calling contests. Love music? This year’s concert performers include Vanilla Ice, Martina McBride, and Bret Michaels — get concert tickets here! More shows and attractions include The WOW Factor Science Show, Stilt Fun, First Friday Fireworks, Circus Incredible, and more.

For thrill-seekers, the rides and games are aplenty, from a massive Ferris wheel to farm tractors. Pro tip: Purchase an advance Midway Rides Armband in advance and save (not valid on Saturdays). Oh, and let’s not forget all the amazing fair FOOD… funnel cakes and cotton candy are just the beginning, trust us.

READ: Spring Festivals In & Around Jacksonville

Agriculture + the Early Florida Village

There’s one thing to know about the Clay County Fair, it’s that you will get plenty of fun farm excitement and agricultural experiences. Stroll through the livestock barn and meet a cow, pig, rabbit, goat, and all the poultry residents in the livestock barn. Tractors, new and old, will be on display for you to see — and make sure to stop by the “Agtivities” area in the farm play area. Get dirty and enjoy!

One of the most popular attractions at the fair is the Early Florida Village. Visitors can take a walk through the Village and get a peek at Florida’s vast history, from soap making to the old sawmill and the Penney Farms School House. Guests will be taken back in time for a good ol’ country experience!

The Clay County Agricultural Fair is located at 2493 State Road 16 West in Green Cove Springs and runs April 4 through April 14! Learn more at claycountyfair.org.

BUY TICKETS NOW!

Tina Smithers Peckham
Originally from Kansas City, Tina relocated to Jacksonville, FL with her dear husband, feisty cat and sweet-natured corgi mix in 2016. After eight years working various gigs in New York City from magazine publishing to digital marketing, Tina joined the world of freelance, writing and reporting for a variety of publications and websites including MTV News, ET Online, Glamour, Us Weekly and more. Tina has also assisted with social media, editorial and content strategy for brands and personalities such as Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks, Beauty Brands, truTV and WE tv. When she’s not plugging away on her laptop, she can be found exploring the Jacksonville beaches, reading a good book or enjoying a local coffee shop with her cherub-cheeked little boys, Archer and Austin.

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