What to know before you go: Clay County Agricultural Fair

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The gates finally open Thursday for the Clay County Agricultural Fair. So don’t miss out on the excitement, entertainment and fair food.

It’s going to be hot out on Thursday, so remember to hydrate and stay in shaded areas.

There are water bottle stations available at each brick restroom.

Plus, this year the fair has added a large tent with fans in the EZone and brand-new AC cooling stations to help you.

Since 1987, the Clay County Agricultural Fair has provided Clay County and Northeast Florida with an event that’s fun and educational.

Tickets

Adults: $10 Seniors (55+) & Children (6-12): $6

Ride Armbands: $20 (not valid on Saturday’s)

Gate Admission

During the Fair, gate admission tickets are available at the ticket booths outside each gate.

Adults: $15; Seniors (55+) & Children (ages 6-12): $9; Children (ages 5 and under): FREE!

Special Discount Days

Thursday, April 3 - $5 Admission

Friday, April 4 - $30 Admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children until 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 6 - $5 Admission for Health Professionals with valid employee badge.

Monday, April 7 - $5 Admission with valid Winn-Dixie receipt.

Tuesday, April 8 - Donate a bag of canned goods, pet food/supplies or school supplies for $5 Admission

Wednesday, April 9 - Seniors 55+ FREE, Special Needs Kids/Groups FREE

Thursday, April 10 - VyStar Members BOGO

Friday, April 11 - 18 and Under & Teachers FREE Admission from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 13 - $5 Admission for police, firefighters, military and teachers with valid ID.

Hours

Buildings

Monday-Saturday: Gate opening time to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Outside Vendors

Same as Fair hours.

Carnival

Thursday, April 3 - Opens at 3 p.m.

Friday, April 4 - Opens at 11 a.m.

Sunday, April 6 - Opens at 10 a.m.

Monday, April 7 - Opens at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, April 8 - Opens at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 9 - Limited rides at 10 a.m. Fully Opens at 12 p.m.

Thursday, April 10 - Opens at 3 p.m.

Friday, April 11 - Opens at 10 a.m.

Sunday, April 13 - Opens at 10 a.m.

Livestock Barn

Same as fair hours, Limited animals on Sunday, April 13.

Early Florida village

The Village opens when the fair opens. The Village closes each night at 7 p.m.

Fair Hours and Schedule

April 3 (Opening Day) Fair: 2-10 p.m.

April 4 (Fiesta Family Friday) Fair: 10 a.m.-11 pm

April 5 (AG Day) Fair: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

April 6 (Clay Health Day) Fair: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

April 7 (Taste The Fair Day) Fair: 2-10 p.m.

April 8 (Our Fair Cares Day) Fair: 2-10 p.m.

April 9 (Senior + Inclusive Day) Fair: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

April 10 (VyStar Family Day) Fair: 2-10 p.m.

April 11 (Student Fair Day) Fair: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

April 12 (Celebrate Clay Day) Fair: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

April 13 (Hero Day) Fair: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Parking

Parking is free at the Fairgrounds.

Please allow the Clay County Sheriff deputies to direct you to park. Be sure to lock your vehicle and take note of where you have parked.

There are 3 parking lots: North, Main, & South.

Take a minute to familiarize yourself with your surroundings when you arrive to avoid confusion when you depart.

When driving in the parking lots, please drive with caution and watch for pedestrians.

Safety & Security

Bags, purses and packages will be subject to search at each of the Fair’s entrances.

They have CCSO officers onsite and private security helping to keep people safe during the fair.

Guest Services

Clothing: Clothing and visible tattoos that depict violence, nudity, gang affiliation, vulgarity, offensive, or discriminatory language or graphics are prohibited at all times. Facial coverings are not permitted, unless for religious or health related reasons.

Trams: Trams will be provided and run daily from the main gate. Schedule subject to change.

Fair Admission: Admission prices are $15 for adults (13-55), seniors $9 (55+), $8 for children (6-12), and children 5 and under are free. Gate admission will end 90 minutes prior to the listed closing times. No admission will be allowed after that time.

ATMS: ATMs are conveniently located throughout the Fairgrounds.

Rentals: Are provided by Clay County Fair Association located behind the Main Gate while supplies last. They charge the following rates: $50 per scooter daily, $35 per scooter half day, $10 per double stroller, $5 per single stroller & $15 per wagon.

Restrooms: Are located at the main gate, outside the Cattlemen’s Arena, across from Exhibit Building 1 and next to Kiddy Land on the midway. Portable restrooms are also available.

General Store: Forget to bring something to the fair? Don’t the fair has got you: sunscreen, aspirin, chap stick, rain ponchos, and much more. They also sell Fair Swag.

Cool down areas: For the convenience of the guests they have two cool down areas: Exhibit Bldg 2 and the tent near the Livestock Barns. Both areas include picnic tables for eating.

Diaper Changing Facilities: Are available in all permanent restrooms.

Nursing station: Sponsored by OPMC, for privacy and convenience nursing stations can be found in the back of Exhibit Bldg

Lost & Found: Is located at Guest Services at the Main Gate and next to Exhibit Building I.

Recycling: The Clay County Agricultural Fair is proud to be GREEN! Please use the recycling containers located next to each trash receptacle throughout the fairgrounds.

First aid: Sponsored by HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital is located next to Exhibit Building I.

Weather: Be prepared with sunscreen and visors on warm sunny days. Have a jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings. A poncho or umbrella is a good idea if skies turn grey. Download the Saferwatch App for updates.

Shoe Attire: With over 40 acres of activities there is plenty of walking to do, they recommend wearing comfortable closed toe shoes.

Coolers: No bottles, cans, coolers (unless for medical reasons) or picnic baskets are permitted on the fairgrounds.

Cameras: Cameras and video cameras are welcome. May be prohibited during certain entertainment events. Drones are not allowed. By entering the grounds, you are consenting that your image (still or video) can be used by the Clay County Fair Assoc.

Pets: Pets are not permitted on the Fairgrounds except service animals in compliance with the ADA.

Smoking: In compliance with County Ordinance, smoking is prohibited during the fair. They are a smoke free fair.

Phone charging Station: Located in Cattlemen’s Arena VIP area and Building 3. You can also purchase a mobile charger at our store.

Protests and Flyers: During the Fair, the Fair does not provide space for meet and greets, campaign rallies, fundraisers or other political events. Political signs and picketing are allowed only in designated areas. We do not allow flyers unless previously approved.

Alcohol and drugs are NOT permitted.

(Clay County Agricultural Fair photo)

Ag barn happenings

  • Feed Store
  • School House
  • Grocery Store
  • Farmers House
  • Vet Office
  • Potato Patch
  • AG-Town (shows)
  • Mullet Matchup

Food vendors

  • Bask in Donuts
  • Big Acai Bowls
  • Blackearth Java

Midway

Cash rides on the midway

These rides are exempt from armbands, require cash:

  • Amazing Maze
  • Bucky the Bull
  • Bungee Blast
  • The Spaceport (The spaceport is a special attraction because of limited capacity the unlimited ride wristband would prevent riders from being able to enjoy the rest of the rides.)

Spectacular Rides

  • Giant wheel
  • Hydra
  • Musik Express
  • Crazy mouse coaster
  • Searay
  • Spaceport
  • Hanger
  • Starship
  • Typhoon
  • Vertigo
  • Zero gravity

Family Rides

  • Crazy chopper
  • Dragon coaster
  • Magic maze
  • Merry-go-round
  • New york taxi
  • Tornado

Kiddie Rides

  • Bananas
  • Circus train
  • Elephants
  • Farm tractors
  • Happy swing
  • Jump around
  • Orient express
  • Quad runner
  • Safari bus
  • Teacups
Photo: Clay County Agricultural Fair

Roaming acts

  • Rosaire’s Royal Pig Racers
  • K9’s In Flight
  • Electrifying Magician
  • Stilt Connections
  • Dialed Action MTB
  • Lew-E’s Comedy Circus
  • More

Exhibition Building

Horticulture & Home Auctions

  • April 13 (1 p.m.)

Plant and Art Auction

  • April 13 (1 p.m.)

Line up (Location: Cattlemen’s Arena)

  • Sugar Ray & Uncle Kracker (April 3)
  • Ty Love & Clint Black (April 4)
  • Chase Matthew & Sadie Bass (April 5)
  • The Castellows & Tigirlily Gold (April 6)
  • Micah Tyler & We the Kingdom (April 7)
  • Spin Doctors (April 8)
  • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder (April 9)
  • Tractor & Truck Pulls (April 12 and 13)

Livestock Shows

  • Goat Grooming
  • 4H/FFA Youth Dairy Show
  • Dairy Show
  • Swine Show
  • Open Rabbit Fashion show
  • Unlimited Goat show
  • 4H/FFA Youth Beef Breeding Show
  • Poultry Showmanship
  • Rabbit showmanship
  • Cow Patty Bingo
  • Breeding Ewe Show
  • Steer Show
  • and more

For even more information, click here.