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About

Our Mission Statement

The Manatee River Fair Association, Inc., a private not-for-profit corporation, will seek to promote the agricultural and economic strengths of Manatee County and to highlight Manatee County’s rich heritage through the sponsorship of the annual Manatee County Fair and other events throughout the year. The Manatee County Fair will provide a variety of competition premium award programs, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, entertainment, and organization displays in a family-friendly environment. The operation of the Manatee County Fairgrounds throughout the year will further support and enhance the Association’s promotion of local agriculture, commerce, and history by providing financial support for the annual Manatee County Fair.

The Manatee County Fair

The Manatee County fair is a wholesome community tradition. Packed with an endless variety of things to see, do and eat, the fair truly has something for everyone.

The eleven day Manatee County Fair is held each January at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, Florida.The City of Palmetto is located in Manatee County on the northern banks of the Manatee River and is approximately 40 miles south of Tampa, and 15 miles north of Sarasota with convenient access to Interstate 75 from S.R. 64 and S.R. 70 in Bradenton and Interstate 275 from U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 in Parrish.
  • Horticulture
  • Entertainment
  • Fair Food Court
  • Livestock Arena
  • Strates Shows Carnival Rides

Youth Attractions

  • Annual Baby Pageant
  • Fair Queen Pageant
  • Annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest for 4-H and FFA Clubs
  • Annual Whip Popping Contest
  • 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging

Creative Arts & Education

  • Arts and crafts submitted from members of the community representing all age groups. The culinary arts area displays the “best of the best,” recipes of Manatee County.

Exhibit Buildings

  • Manatee County businesses display their products, services and information.
  • Governmental offices/departments showcase their functions and provide information for the public from their booths.

Horticulture

  • The Master Gardeners Area offers the community a wealth of information about gardening through their special classes. Horticulture displays the best that’s homegrown.

Entertainment

  • The Main Stage brings local and national acts up close and personal.
  • Strolling Acts will perform throughout the grounds daily.

Fair Court Food

A smorgasbord of food featuring pizza, corn dogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, seafood, nuts, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, fudge, funnel cakes, strawberry shortcake, elephant ears, cotton candy, candy apples, donuts and kettle corn to name just a few.
  • Food is provided throughout the Fair, with an oak covered picnic area for your enjoyment.
  • Expanded concessions near the Midway.
  • Diverse food selection

Livestock Arena - Sponsored By Mosaic

  • See Beef Breeding, Dairy, Dog, Goat, Horse, Heifer, Poultry, Rabbit, Steer and Swine Shows, as well as Steer and Swine Sales each Saturday.

Midway Rides & Amusements



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