by Staff
When the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair rolls into town in October, accompanied by its customary surplus of the nostalgic, the macabre and the out-and-out bizarre, aficionados can look forward to experiencing a diverse lineup of new events, including a laser light show, gator wrestling and a Jacksonville baseball memorabilia exhibition.
This year’s fair also will feature more traditional offerings such as concerts, livestock judging, arts and crafts shows, cooking contests and horticulture exhibits.
Some will offer a decidedly new twist. Florida Crops, an interactive exhibit, focuses on the state’s agricultural system and its relationship to the economy, environment, health and quality of life. To be located at the entrance to Exhibit Hall B, there will be a bee exhibit, turpentine exhibit, water garden and herb garden.
The UNF/JU Challenge, Greeks Gone Wild, in which the Inter-fraternity Councils of the two schools challenge each other with brain teasers and physical agility, is set for Oct. 23 at 6 p.m.
A laser light show, which incorporates a series of computer-generated graphics, is slated to begin nightly at 9 p.m. and continue for 22 minutes.
Other events include the Log Cabin Quilt Project, in which kindergarten through fifth graders in 80 schools throughout the Duval County will contribute quilts to be displayed and judged by a master quilter; Heritage Square, an exhibition co-produced by the Jacksonville Suns that features baseball memorabilia and a sports card show; Puppetone Rockers, an interactive musical program with an anti-drug message; and Kachunga, where an alligator trapper educates the public on the safety involved in trapping alligators while attempting to relocate them to a safer habitat.
A highlight of the fair, the Frighthouse, will be MC’ed by Doc Shock. Sally Industries will again design the haunted house.
Nor will music be ignored. In fact, everything from country to Christian to Southern rock to golden oldies, will be showcased during a 12-day lineup. Here’s the musical schedule:
Oct. 16 — Confederate Railroad, John Anderson and David Lee Murphy
Oct. 17 — Trick Pony
Oct. 18 — Son of a Sailor, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, and a performance by Seven Nations, with its blend of Celtic and pop music
Oct. 19 — Kecia Garland and Southern Rock Rebellion
Oct. 20 — Praise Music Fest, with Soul Patrol, Jill Robshaw, The Difference, Aaron Pelsue Band, Bill Hackworth and Philip Ray White
Oct. 21 — Gary Allan, Angie Kay and the Have Nots
Oct. 22 — Blake Shelton and RetroKats
Oct. 23 — Emerson Drive, Greeks Gone Wild and Two Left Feet
Oct. 24 — Chris Cagle and BayStreet
Oct. 25 — Flashback and Georgia Satellites
Oct. 26 — Blue Grass Festival, featuring The Larkins, Allen Shadd, Gentle River, Southern Life and Storebought
Oct. 27 — Tuff-A-Nuff and Fifty Cent Faith