Greater Jacksonville Fair kicks off Wednesday

Fair runs November 6–17

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 2013 Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair opens Wednesday at the downtown fairgrounds off A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard.

Crews began setting up the fair on Monday.  The gates open Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Since the Jacksonville fair began in 1955, it's been a source of entertainment and fun for families, and this year promises to be no different.

"This year is gonna be bigger than ever," said VP of Marketing for the Greater Jacksonville Fair, Gayle Hart. "We do have a new ride, 'The Moonraker.' It's one of the only kind in the country and we've got it here at the Jacksonville Fair."

There will be rides and games, as well as food and shows. Fair organizers tell Channel 4 that the fair's firefighter show, circus clowns, racing pigs and alligator show will be among the highlights.

"The animals are a mainstay of every agricultural fair," said Hart. "We do have one thing this year: You are not allowed to go into the barn with a stroller, baby bottles, that type of thing, and we have hand washing stations all throughout the barn area."

The 2013 entertainment lineup -- the 99.9 Gator Country Concert Series -- includes some of country music's favorite artists. The lineup includes featured artists; Grandpa's Cough Medicine, Molly Hatchet, Cassadee Pope, Cole Swindle, Great White, Craig Morgan, Sara Evans and the Atlanta Rhythm section.

The fair runs until November 17th. For more information about this year's fair including fair ticket prices, show schedules and operation times, visit JacksonvilleFair.com.