The fair is incomparable to any other event in the area. This isn’t just Jacksonville’s offering to the annual fairs that roll through every county, this is The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. It’s greater, in that it dwarfs any of the other county fairs in both size and extent. I’m not sure precisely how it compares in size to other fairs, but it is the biggest I’ve ever attended. Of course, that perception is relative too. Because in Hoboken or Minneapolis, an agricultural fair may not be that big of a deal, but in the Deep South, a fair is part of our folk history. In fact this one has been around longer than anyone reading this, I would dare bet.
Of course there are the spectacles that everyone goes there for, the rides that spin and teeter and rise far above the earth. Few things can give you that anxious and excited feeling that rides at the fair provide. People that adore the scariest roller coasters and travel the country to try the rides are still scared of the fair rides, and therein lays precisely their thrill. They are thoroughly inspected and tested on hapless, toothless carnies before you are allowed to get on board, but the knowledge that it is at least slightly more likely for these road-weary portable machines to jeopardize your life than it is a permanent fixture at a theme park provides a portion of that thrill. Real terror. Couple that with Iron Maiden blaring through the speaker and the cryptic look in the eyes of the man controlling your fate with a lever, and you have a perfect autumn scare.
In the midway you can test your skills against the taunting carnies and win your sweetheart a framed velvet portrait of the Guns N’ Roses logo or a 80% likeness Winnie the Pooh doll for your sweetheart, or dare to try one of the many other spectacular spectacles along the walk around the fair. Whether you want to get upside down or just see the county’s finest hog, the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair has plenty to offer for all ages and is a true cultural experience. Read on for details about the shows and the exhibitions (not to mention the food).
Admission tickets may be purchased on-line at any time before and during the Fair or at the gate.
Adults $8.00
Children 6-12 $5.00
5 and younger Free
Senior 65 and over $5.00
Ride tickets are available, and different rides require different numbers of tickets, but wristbands for unlimited rides usually cost between $20 and $25 dollars depending on the day. Go to jacksonvillefair.com for more details.
by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
One of the main perks of buying Fair tickets is the free music included with the price of admission. The Fair books national artists, many of whom have recent hits or a significant body of work that is familiar to fair-goers. The Fair is the biggest event that happens in Jacksonville, drawing a major chunk of the population, and they books mainly country acts with a few exceptions.
This year there is an impressive lineup of established artists performing on the main stage. During the last three weeks I’ve been interviewing many of these artists, all of whom have been cordial and engaging conversationalists. The fact that country artists are fan and media-friendly is what makes them successful in the viciously competitive milieu of country music. Once a country artist has been signed by a major label and is out touring with hit music on the charts, they understand that without their fans and media support they would be nothing.
Sunday, November 4th the Flynnville Train takes the stage. This group plays two types of music-- Southern and rock. Yeah, this Train is redneck powered, honky-tonk sounding, beer drinking, kick-butt rock’n’roll.
Monday, November 5th Steve Holy–a new face on the country scene–takes the main stage. Steve won a regional talent contest in Dallas, Texas which got him noticed. Then his songwriting talent impressed the Nashville moguls. Now Steve and his band, the Marauders, are burning up bus tires on a whirlwind tour. Steve blends 50s rock’n’roll with country, which gives his sound a rocking beat. However, his ballads, such as his big hit ‘Good Morning Beautiful,’ are climbing the charts. His newest single, ‘Cliff in Colorado,’ is set for release before Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 6th, Steve Azar performs on the main stage. Recently, I interviewed Steve who fuses his Mississippi Delta blues influences with country. Steve set the country music world on fire with his big hit ‘I Don’t Have to Be Me (Until Monday)’ and is riding high with his new album Indianola. Steve’s songwriting prowess has also gotten him noticed by other artists, but he said in the interview that he is the best person to perform his own songs right now.
Wednesday, November 7th, 80s hit machine Firefall brings it vast repertoire of hits spanning 30 years to the Fair’s main stage. Helmed by the only original member and owner of the trademark, Jock Bartley, who I interviewed last week, Firefall is still going strong. When audiences hear Firefall’s songs they will remember them as classic hits. Firefall also has new material that they perform live. During the band’s heyday they released eight hit albums, three of which went gold and two went platinum. Eleven of the band’s singles were top ten hits.
Thursday, November 8th, singer/songwriter and the latest hunk of burning love, Keith Anderson, performs his hit music. Months before releasing his debut album, Keith was ranked as country’s number one new male artist of 2005 by the music trades Billboard and Radio & Records. Keith was also chosen by People magazine for its 2005 “50 Hottest Bachelors” issue. But it’s Keith’s exceptional songwriting talent that has got everyone in country music excited. Just about every song Keith writes is a top ten hit. With movie star good looks and hitmaking skill, there is no limit to this cat’s career potential. His top ten hits include ‘Pickin’ Wildflowers,’ ‘Every Time I Hear Your Name’ and the Grammy nominated ‘Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In).’
Friday, November 9th, Buddy Jewel rolls into the Fair. Buddy is a traditional country artist in the George Strait bag. He won a contest in Dallas that got him a sweet deal in Nashville. Buddy’s unwavering clear voice is as smooth as clover honey and his material is rich with country roots influences. Yes, Buddy is hitmaker who will be around for many years making new fans everywhere he goes.
Saturday, November 11th, Crossin’ Dixon hits the main stage with “Southern Comfort running through their veins... I’m modern day... guitar slinger,” the band’s song ‘Guitar Slinger’ states. This story-song is a clever autobiography condensed into a song. The group features precise vocal harmonies and rocking rhythms. This group redefines the country rock sound with some romping stomping rock’n’roll.
by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
When most people think of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair the first things that come to mind are thrill rides, concerts and fair food. In reality, the Fair has so much more to offer it boggles the mind. From cooking contests to wrestling to magic shows, there’s so much more to this annual fun-fest than corndogs and country acts. Here’s the lowdown.
Looking for a blue ribbon? There are literally dozens of competitions and contests going on at the Fair that can enter to win. Everyone already knows about the livestock and horticulture competitions that go on each year but below are some of the lesser known contests that will take place as well. If you see a competition you want to enter, head over to jacksonvillefair.com for more information.
Cooking Contests: Nine different culinary competitions will take place over the course of the Fair’s 12-day run. From cake-baking and decorating to “The Great American SPAM Recipe Contest,” would-be chefs can test their tummy-satisfying mettle to win nice prizes like cash or kitchen goodies. Nearly every day of the Fair will feature a different cooking contest so if you think you have what it takes strap on an apron and join the fun!
Blue Ribbon Quilt Project: This year the Jacksonville Agricultural Fair challenged Duval County schools to read a book and make a quilt based on what they read. Approximately 80 area schools accepted the challenge and have created wonderful quilts which will be displayed in Exhibit Hall A. All Fair attendees ages 5 and up are invited to cast their votes for the best quilt during the length of the fair. The winner will receive $500, a trophy for their school and, of course, the coveted blue ribbon.
Student’s Painted Furniture Contest: Middle and high school artists will show their skills at this year’s Student’s Painted Furniture Contest. Kids were told to pick a “Master” artist, research their life and work, create a design that uses the techniques exclusive to that artist, and paint it on a piece of furniture. The pieces will be on display for the length of the fair, so you have plenty of time to vote for your favorite.
Professional Floral Design Competition: Local high school floral design students will show their flair with freesias, their creativity with carnations, and their ingenuity with irises at this year’s Professional Floral Design Competition. Just wait until you see what these folks can do with a few flowers and some imagination! Be sure to check out the entries (located at Exhibit Hall A on November 1st and 8th) and vote for your favorite.
Red Hat Table Decorating Competition: Those lovable Red Hat Society ladies will be competing to see whose table setting reigns supreme at this year’s fair. The table décor will be judged on originality, design and appearance. You can be sure there will be some stunning centerpieces, especially since first prize is $100! See them all and vote for your favorite from October 31st to November 9th.
Fall Fair Scholastic Chess Tournament: On November 10th area kids will compete in an intense tournament to determine who is King (or Queen) of the chessboard. Think you have what it takes? Then register at mychessclub.us (there is a registration fee of $10 which needs to be paid in advance) before November 7th. The official rules and entry forms can be found at jacksonvillefair.com.
If the popularity of circuses and zoos is any indication, a large chunk of the population is fascinated by wildlife. In addition to the many farm animals that will be on display for the livestock competition, animal lovers will get to see a variety of amazing critters doing some extraordinary things thanks to four new additions to the Fair.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour: Not all the animals you’ll see at the fair are real, and that may be a good thing! Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour gives visitors a chance to get up-close and personal with lions, boas and bears, all animatronic, of course. The fascinating traveling wildlife experience features three distinct habitats with lifelike animals, a theater showing moments from the Animal Planet series Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and hands-on activities for little adventurers. Those over 18 can also play the Win Something Wild instant win game to get cool prizes and a chance to take home a 47” HDTV.
Robinson’s Racing Pigs: Now here’s something you don’t see every day. These adorable pigs will do just about anything for an Oreo cookie including rock silly names (Britney Spare-Rib, Hillary Rodham Clint-Ham, and Snoop Hoggy Hog are just a few) and run around a track at 15 miles an hour. Root for your favorite during these popular daily pig races.
Kachunga and the Alligator Show: Gil Castillo is Kachunga an American Bushman who does what no one with a lick of sense and a love of their limbs will: he wrestles alligators. The Kachunga and the Alligator show pits this brave but very stupid man against a 300 pound, nine-foot alligator. The result is something like a car wreck- you just can’t look away. Learn about these massive beasts and see Kachunga tame one (we hope!) during this daily performance.
CoolDog High Performance Thrill Show: The Las Vegas-based show has been wowing audiences for 25 years. If I can get my dog to sit, we’re having a good day. These dogs leap through the air, balance on their front paws and even jump rope. Watch these incredible canines in action every day at the Fair.
Kids always have a great time at the Fair and this year will be no exception. Check out these cool just-for-kids activities.
Trick-or-Treating: Free food at the Fair? Now this I have to see! Kids 12 and under are invited to come in costume on Halloween night and trick-or-treat at the fairgrounds. The festivities start at 5 pm and include a children’s costume contest.
Kandu Magic Show: Each day children will get a chance to see some cool magic tricks courtesy of Kandu & Company. This magical husband and wife team combines music, comedy, magic, and audience participation to dazzle and amaze little fair-goers.
Wild & Wacky Game Show: The Wild & Wacky Game Show gives audience members a chance to win prizes while performing some wacky relays and wild competitions. This fun game show will be going on every day during the Fair so step right up and give it a go!
TA-DA Robots: If you happen to see a pig riding a tractor or a horse with a guitar, don’t be alarmed. It’s just the TA-DA Robots, life-sized, radio-controlled characters that will roam the fairgrounds spreading joy and laughter to kids young and old. These charming creatures will even strike up a conversation with you if you let them. Be on the lookout for the amazing animals daily.
The fair is pretty kid-friendly, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t have a great time too. Check out these special Fair events with a more grownup fair.
Florida Crops: Want a little bit of education with your fun? This fascinating exhibit will extol the wonders of our state’s agricultural offerings. Fairgoers will get to taste, touch and understand the value of agriculture while exploring the interactive exhibit. You can check out this instructional display daily.
“Tribute to Florida” Wrestling: Next to the musicians who will be performing at the Fair, the “Tribute to Florida” Wrestling will probably be the most popular event this year. On November 1 wrestling superstars Jerry “The King” Lawler, Kamala “The Ugandan Giant,” Kevin Sullivan, Dustin Rhodes, Jim “the Anvil” Neidhardt, Psycho “Sid” Vicious, Scotty Too Hotty, and many more will all do battle during this full night of body slams, piledrivers and headlocks. The action begins at 8 pm but be sure to show up early for the special autograph signing from 5:30 to 7:30.
Sports Card and Collectible Show: Got a bunch of baseball cards from the 70s and 80s stashed away in your closet? Break ‘em out and make some dough at the Sports Card and Collectible Show on November 1st through the 4th. Sell or trade your cards and collectibles or browse for some new goodies to add to your collection.
NovemBeer Fest!: Anheuser-Bush and Planet Radio invite the 21-and-up crowd to NovemBeer Fest, a chance to sample over 23 ales, lagers and malt beverages for the low, low price of $5. When you think about how much you’ll be spending at vendors for a single cup of brew, NovemBeer Fest’s additional fee is a steal. Drink up but drink responsibly on November 9th from 7 to 10:30 pm.
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
If you just stick to the fairway, ride the rides and give carnies your money as you attempt to win a stuffed animal you would never actually buy, you’re missing out on some of the best stuff at the fair—the exhibitions.
Seriously, your world will open up wider after viewing this stuff. Just the knowledge that somebody out there is actually weaving their own fabric, raising strange breeds of rabbits, creating string art and polishing Florida stones to high sheen, it makes me happy, because it shows what humans can do in their spare time. These exhibits can be beautiful and meticulous. If you’ve still got a scrap of a child left in you, it might fill you with wonder, however briefly.
For a full list of events, head to the website at jacksonvillefair.com/pb/index.html.
Here’s just a few of the things you’ll find in the exhibition tents, as well as some of the animal competitions and other events:
Art of all types—from 2-D photography and paintings to sculpture and ceramics.
Duval County Schools Quilt Exhibit
Gems & Minerals
Red Hat Table Decorations
Student Floral Show & Exhibit Each Thursday
Student Painted Furniture Exhibit
Quilters Guild Exhibit & Sale
Wed October 31st - 9:00 am POULTRY SHOW Open & Youth Divisions
Wed October 31st - 7 pm. 4-H and FFA DIVISIONSHEEP
Thu Nov 1st - 6:30 pm 4-H DOG OBEDIENCE AND SHOWMANSHIP
Fri Nov 2nd - 7 pm 4-H and FFA DIVISION BEEF CATTLE
Sat Nov 3rd - 9 am 4-H – FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST
Sat Nov 3rd - On Site registration at 9 am, competition at 9:30 am 4-H HORTICULTURE JUDGING (Activity Tent)
Sat Nov 10th - 7 pm Angus Cattle Judging
Each Friday Noon – 6 pm Senior Bingo
Nov. 10th - 1-4 pm Student Fall Scholastic Chess Tourney
November 1st – 4th Sports Card and Collectable Show
Nov. 1st - 5-7pm Autograph Signing
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Serious bakers, preservers and cooks come out for the Fair’s cooking competition. There are categories for every taste, from the SPAM competition to pies and preserves. Winning in a preserves category mainly nets winners with bragging rights and prestige, but the serious money is, as always, in branded competitions like the KC Masterpiece “Memorable Meals Contest” or the Fleischmann’s Yeast “BAKE for the Cure” Contest.
On the National Level of prizes at the fair, a good recipe involving a 12-ounce can of SPAM can net you $3000. Joan Painter has been judging food at the Fair for eleven years. For the past eight she’s been judging SPAM.
Painter’s been eating SPAM since about WWII.
“I remember having it as a kid…My dad was paid once a month after he got out of the service and when you got down toward the end of the month, with three children, you were sometimes a little short, so you had things like SPAM for dinner.”
She, like the other food judges at the Fair, has a master food and nutrition certification. They also go through a course specifically geared towards judging.
“Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it’s not so good…” Painter says, recalling interesting recipes in the past, like SPAM sushi.
Maintaining a smooth demeanor even when the food is “not so good” is important in Duval County, where the competitors are often watching judges take a bite of their creation.
Most recipes that have ham in them can be replaced with SPAM, so Painter tastes a lot of rich and savory dishes. Despite the diversity of the recipes involving SPAM, there still is uncharted SPAM territory in Duval County. So far she hasn’t seen a dessert created with SPAM.
Here’s a short list of the food contests due to happen at the Fair. There’s plenty more going on as far as food is concerned, but these are the big attractions:
Wed Oct 31st- 7:00 pm Cake Baking - Exhibit Hall A& Cake Decorating - Exhibit Hall A
Thurs Nov 1st- 7:00 pm Event: Ghirardelli Chocolate Contest - Exhibit Hall A
Sat Nov 3rd- 7:00 pm Event: Eagle Brand Great Baking Bonanza Exhibit Hall A
Mon Nov 5th- 7:00 pm Event: KC Masterpiece “Memorable Meals Contest” Exhibit Hall A
Tue Nov 6th- 7:00 pm Hidden Valley “Family Friendly Foood” Contest Exhibit Hall A
Wed Nov 7th- 7:00 pm Fleischmann’s Yeast “BAKE for the Cure” CONTEST Exhibit Hall A
Thu Nov 8th- 7:00 pm The Great American Spam Championship Exhibit Hall A
Sat Nov 10th-7:00 pm “Stick with Canola Oil - Fry it for the Fair” Exhibit Hall A
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