A tradition long before Mickey
The 108th annual Central Florida Fair is back until March 8.
The presence of a Giant Wheel visible for miles and the wafting smell of turkey legs are surefire signs of one thing: The Central Florida Fair has returned to Orlando.
Back for its 108th year, the fair is back through March 8 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, expected to attract upward of 200,000 people.
“We’re the entertainment capital of the world, so people see Ferris wheels and roller coasters every single day,” said Shawn Krauel, president and CEO of the fair. “But here, what you get is a mix of the old traditions of the Central Florida Fair, which has been here for 108 years, long before
Mickey Mouse.”
This year, the fair is a straight 11-day run instead of last year’s three weeks with Mondays and Tuesdays off. And while there are some small changes, the fair remains largely what people might remember and expect from previous years. Visitors know they can find the usual fried food, carnival games and wacky entertainment.
But in some ways, fair attendees can never quite be sure of what they’ll discover when visiting.
This year, curious friends and families can get within several feet of a bear with the Grizzly Experience (don’t worry, there is a fenced barrier). An American Ninja Warrior-like experience and the 3
Ring Super Circus also take the stage at the 2020 fair to entertain guests. Returning acts include the Ham Bone Express racing pigs and Risen BMX Show.
On the other side of the fair, daring riders are hurled upside down, spun or otherwise jostled on any number of the several dozen midway rides. Carnies heckle passersby to hang from a pull-up bar for two minutes, ride the mechanical bull, throw darts at balloons or try to win a take-home goldfish.
In the shadow of all the rides and games, a different kind of fair exists — one with cattle, goats, sheep, chickens and more being shown.
“You’re getting that aspect of the generations of livestock kids who have raised animals, sold animals at the livestock auction,” Krauel said. “This is at a fairgrounds just a couple of miles from downtown Orlando.”
Throughout the fair’s run, youth from Future Farmers of America and 4-H groups representing Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Lake, Osceola, and Brevard counties will show swine, lamb, cattle, poultry, rabbits, cavies and horses.
But regardless of a visitor’s interest in livestock, games, rides or food, there’s something at the Central Florida Fair for everyone.
If you go: The Central Florida Fair is at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando and runs from Feb. 27-March 8. The fair is open 4-11 p.m. Monday-Friday and 12-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for children (ages 6-12) online in advance or $12 weekdays and $15 weekends for adults at the gate. For more information, visit centralfloridafair.com. Do you have suggestions for my next destination or just want to get in touch? Find me on Twitter @PConnPie, Instagram @PConnPie or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Want more travel news? Sign up for the travel newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/news letters.