Since 1955, the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair has been a fall tradition.
The annual collection of rides, agricultural and horticultural exhibits and competitions, cooking contests, rides and live music opens at 5 p.m. today and will continue daily through Nov. 17 at the Jacksonville Fair & Expo Center near EverBank Field.
Jacksonville's fair is the largest fair or festival in North Florida and is ranked 47th in the country by Amusement Business magazine. The impact to the city through lease revenues and revenue from parking is estimated at more than $195,000 per year, according to the fair association, a private, not-for-profit educational corporation.
Since it debuted, the Greater Jacksonville Fair has made contributions totaling more than $3 million to local charitable and civic organizations.
This year's midway includes 24 rides amid food vendors and carnival games. Also on the schedule are Robinson's Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers and the Kuchunga Alligator Show.
A full slate of live entertainment is scheduled, beginning at 8 p.m. today when Grandpa's Cough Medicine takes the stage. This year's line-up concludes with the Atlanta Rhythm Section at 8 p.m. Nov. 16.
For the complete schedule and ticket information, visit jacksonvillefair.com.
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