Will 2021 be a big comeback year for the Okeechobee County Fair

Posted 3/19/21

In 2019, the Okeechobee County Fair saw a drop in their numbers for the first time...

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Will 2021 be a big comeback year for the Okeechobee County Fair

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OKEECHOBEE- After steadily building attendance in recent years, in 2019,  the Okeechobee County Fair saw a drop in their numbers for the first time thanks to Mother Nature.

On Saturday of that year's fair -- usually the biggest day for the fair -- it rained the entire time gates were open.

In 2017, 19,624 attended the Okeechobee County Fair. And in 2018 that number rose to 22,388. But, due to that rain filled Saturday, in 2019 the number dropped to 17,022.

“We can work really hard and make plans, but sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate,” said Okeechobee County Fair Association president Linda Syfrett at the Feb. 27, 2020 Okeechobee Board of County Commissioner’s meeting. “However we’re still sound financially and in good condition. Now we’re praying for good weather.”

The weather turned out to be the least of the worries for the 2020 Okeechobee County Fair.

On March 16 last year, a day before the fair was scheduled to open, it was was canceled due to the then emerging COVID-19 virus.

Now, in 2021, Okeechobee County Fair is back. And after a year of people sitting at home with little to no events, this year attendance could be back in line where it was in 2018.

On March 16 the fair opened and will run till Sunday, March 21. Weather looks good for the entire weekend, with the current highest chance of precipitation only sitting at 20 percent on Saturday.

Carnival wristbands will be $20 Thursday and $25, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

In addition to the usual rides and always tasty fair food, there will be a number of events and shows to watch this week. The Demolition Derby will be Saturday, March 20 at 6 p.m. The Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show started March 13 and continues through March 19. The livestock sale will be Saturday, March 20 at 2 p.m.

Cycle Circus Live, a freestyle motocross and BMX show known for death defying jumps, high flying stunts, and mesmerizing acrobatics all at incredible speeds, is set to perform multiple shows. This troupe of performers is sure to amaze and capture the attention of your entire family. The show features the amazing talent from the Freestyle Madness team.

The fairgrounds open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Okeechobee county fair

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