The pandemic has forced the cancellation of another annual event in Jacksonville.
Friday, the organizers of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, previously scheduled for early November of this year, announced it is being canceled due to COVID-19.
The annual fall event brings livestock shows, rides, games and concerts to the area next to Jacksonville's sports complex, along with an animal exhibition space.
“We are heartbroken for the small businesses, seasonal workers, competitors, exhibitors, vendors and community outreach groups who rely on the income and exposure the Jacksonville Fair brings them,” said fair President and CEO Bill Olson in an email to WJCT News.
The fair, which dates back to 1955, has an estimated economic impact on Duval County in excess of $10 million, according to the nonprofit Greater Jacksonville Fair Association.
The fair is now scheduled to return November 4 - 14, 2021.
Although the fair has been canceled, the association announced a food distribution event would now be held at the Downtown Jacksonville Fairgrounds next to the sports complex, some time before Thanksgiving. Details for that event are still being developed.
Other non-fair events and group meetings scheduled on the fairgrounds will be held with strict capacity, social distancing and safety guidelines in place.
