Changes are in store for next month’s Santa Rosa County Fair, which will take place at the East Milton Recreation Park on April 3-11.
“We will have a bigger, better midway provided by James Gang Amusements,” said Jada Nicholson, a member of the Santa Rosa County Fair Association’s executive committee. “We are hoping to build a new partnership with them.”
The new midway will feature 23 rides, according to a flier for the event.
Like the previous county fairs, area families will have plenty of activities and various forms of entertainment to chose from. One of the main draws continues to be the professional rodeos on the first Friday and Saturday nights, which typically draw a crowd, Nicholson said.
Another draw is the various livestock shows happening throughout the fair, from heifer, steer, goat to youth rabbit and swine exhibitions.
Nicholson said the fair will continue to offer plenty of activities for children.
“We are going to have Kiddie Land, the pig chases, and Lew-E the clown is coming back,” she said. “We are also going to have a large Easter egg hunt on that Sunday (April 5).”
Some of the other children friendly events include laser tag, pony and camel rides.
In addition to live music acts, professional rodeo and livestock shows, the fair will also feature BMX performances from the FMX Freestyle Motocross.
Nicholson said the event organizers are looking to rebound from last year’s low turnout, due to weather conditions.
“We are hoping to have a lot more (this year), especially with a new midway,” she said. “We try to make sure there is wide variety, so that there is something for everyone.”
Despite weather conditions, the fair usually brings in nearly 15,000 on any given night, according to event organizers.
In addition to the exhibits from the FFA, schools and other organizations, event organizers are seeking additional displays for the fair’s exhibit hall.
For the first time this year, the fair will also feature a ‘beer garden’ for attendees. Those who wish to partake in the beer garden are restricted to a designated area. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on the fair grounds. Deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office will also be providing security throughout the fair.
The fair will begin with free admission at the gate with a $15 wristbands and $10 parking on Friday, April 3. Gates are open from 5p.m. to Midnight. Visit the fair’s website at srcfair.com for a calendar featuring gate times and prices. The fair will be closed on Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7.
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For more information of the upcoming Santa Rosa County Fair, visit their website at srcfair.com. For those interested in more information on the Santa Rosa County Fair’s exhibit hall, contact Jada Nicholson at jade_starr78@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: SRC Fair to feature new rides, attractions