General Info:
Greater Jacksonville Fair Association Greater Jacksonville Fair Association is a private, 501-C-3, not-for-profit, educational corporation chartered by the State of Florida, through the Department of Agriculture and dedicated to maintaining a high quality family fair. Fair Association is governed by a Board of Directors and comprised of community minded citizens who 55 years ago saw a need to bring the story of agriculture to the Jacksonville Area. Our primary purpose is to educate, enlighten and inform the citizens of Duval and the five counties we service about agriculture, horticulture, science and the arts. The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair was chartered in 1955 and the first Fair opened November 10 of that same year. 45, 000 people attended that Fair which was held entirely under the Gator Bowl. On May 15, 1989 Fair Association broke ground for an enterprising, long awaited venture'permanent fairgrounds. Ten months later the administrative offices moved to their new home and on October 17, 1990 the gates opened for the first Fair on these new grounds. More than 700, 000 patrons attended during the twelve days of the Fair. The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair has an economic impact in excess of $8.8 million dollars on Duval County. Each year the Jacksonville Fair is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to outstanding students that wish to continue their education either at a 4 year university, junior college or a technical institution. To date the Fair has awarded over 2.3 million dollars to deserving students and to charitable organizations in the Jacksonville Area. The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, one of Jacksonville's largest annual events, is an active member of the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, the International Country Music Association and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. With the Fair Associations commitment to the community and foresight for the future of northeast Florida, our beautiful facilities were designed to be multi-purpose. The fairgrounds can host a myriad of events to accommodate the ever-growing demand for recreational and educational alternatives in our area and are offered for rent throughout the year. Our permanent Fair staff consists of the President/ CEO, Sales, Marketing Director, Exhibit/Vendor Coordinator, Finance/ Computer Science Coordinator and Grounds Crew. In addition, during the Fair, more than 300 part-time and temporary employees are employed for security, admissions, ride inspections, first aid, agriculture, arts and crafts, horticulture, electricians, staging, clean-up and office assistants. Beyond that, another 500 volunteers donate their time and talent to supporting all areas of the Fair.