Nightime rides on the ferris wheel rock!

Growing up in southern Wisconsin, the best part of summer was always the county fair.  Whether you were involved in 4-H and showing off your prize animals or a city kid, like me, the smell of popcorn, funnel cakes and cotton candy and the sounds of the midway drew everyone, young and old – we all went to the fair.

Fair week also meant family entertainment that fit into everyone’s budget.  Wristband days meant trying out all the rides, some of them even twice, and if you were at the fairgrounds before 11am, the entrance fee was only $3.  Bargain price to pay for grandstand shows featuring Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Kenny Rogers, Cheap Trick and yep, even Sir Johnny Cash!  The ‘grandstand’ was a huge center stage with lights and amps surrounded by a grassy lawn, located in front of towering covered bleachers.  The primo spot was always a blanket on the lawn (no chairs allowed) and it NEVER rained during fair week…well, maybe the last night when all the 4-Hers paraded through the grandstand area with their livestock and trophies.  But never during the shows.

Not far from Rolling Hills, the 25th Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, FL gets underway March 31st and lasts for 10 days. Centrally located on Hwy 16, visitors from St. Augustine and Orange Park and nearby Jacksonville flock to the fair every year.  Like my old stomping grounds, fair organizers schedule top new talent on their way up or veterans for the touring stage.  I’m a big fan of country music and this year’s lineup does not disappoint.

• Wednesday, April 6th – Randy Houser (“Anything Goes” & “Boots On”)
• Thursday, April 7th – John Anderson (“Seminole Wind” & “Straight Tequila Nights”)
• Friday, April 8th – Jerrod Niemann (“Lover, Lover” & “What Do You Want From Me?”)
• Saturday, April 9th – Corbin Easton (“A Little More Country Than That” & “Roll With It”)

The headliner shows starts at 8pm in the Cattlemen’s Arena but there’s a whole lot more to see and do  From exhibits and health screening to magic shows, pig races and Frisbee dogs – there’s something for all ages to enjoy.  And yes, they have armbands for the thrilling midway rides, sticky cotton candy, flavorful fair food and comical clowns.

I’m not sure if the Clay County Fair has a ‘no-rain’ policy but whatever the weather, I plan to listen, smell, and enjoy the lights and bright colors of this year’s fair.  I hope to see you there!