The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is beginning a new chapter on Jacksonville’s Westside. After 70 years in the downtown area, fair officials say the move provides a larger property, more rides, and a fresh start for families.
New Site Features
The Westside location includes roughly 6,000 parking spaces and four separate entrance and exit points, linked by the newly built Fairfield Way, which connects POW‑MIA Boulevard and Normandy Boulevard. A new barn next to the Equestrian Center will host the fair’s agricultural programming, featuring cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens.
Expanded Midway and Family‑Focused Design
Midway operator Andy Degler of Degler Attractions notes the expanded footprint allows for more equipment, rides, and attractions, including five brand‑new rides and two roller coasters. Kiddie Land is now fully separated from the main midway, giving younger children a dedicated space while keeping it close to families.
All midways are fully paved, with additional ticketing plazas, more restroom access, and expanded shaded seating areas. Degler, a father of two, emphasized that the layout was designed with families in mind, eliminating wire crossings to improve accessibility for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
Safety and Security Measures
The Florida Department of Agriculture is conducting ride inspections, and no ride will operate until it passes. A safety inspector will remain on site while the fair is open. Lieutenant Mike von Eiff of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said traffic officers will be stationed at every entrance and exit, with additional officers throughout the fairgrounds.
A joint lost‑and‑found command center, staffed by the Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, will serve as a central meeting point for families, with a uniformed officer present at all times.
Opening Day Details
Opening day is Thursday, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and a ribbon‑cutting ceremony scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Advance tickets and discounted passes are available online through midnight the night before at JacksonvilleFair.com.
The fair is operating almost entirely on city power, an unusual choice in the carnival industry that helps keep walkways free of cables.
Traffic Access
Three primary traffic access points include the intersections of Fairfield Way with POW‑MIA Boulevard, Fairfield Way with Normandy Boulevard, and the main entrance to the Equestrian Center off Normandy Boulevard. Rideshare drop‑off and pickup are located behind the fairgrounds via Fairfield Drive, with signage directing drivers from the parking area.
Full directions, parking information, and ticket details are available at JacksonvilleFair.com.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
