HISTORY

Our History

The first Fair meeting was held on July 23, 1964. Mr. Chuck Padrick, the Chairman, presented a certified copy of the official charter. Charter members included:

• John R King, President
• W. G. Padrick, Vice President
• Jerry L. Smith, Secretary
• Hugh C. Whelchel, Treasure

Members included:

L.R. Becker, Marguerite Brock, Reuben Carlton, Warren Clausen, Phillip C. Gates, Marcus A. Giger, Walter Hebb, O.R. Minton, JR Peeler, J. Max O'Neill, Edger C. Register, Marjorie Silver Alder, Thomas L. Sloan, John Wetmore, Peter White, Vernon L. Williams

The first Fair was held on February 25th of 1966. Deggeller Attractions was the first midway operator. The first Fair Queen (1969) was Dru Hilson. Contestants wore gingham outfits every day. This tradition carried on until 1985 when Patricia Hardman was elected Fair Queen.

The Fair was outgrowing its original location at the airport and purchased 250 acres on Midway Road in 1996. St Lucie County Commissioners voted to create a partnership with the Fair Association and construction began in 2001 of the new Fairgrounds. In 2003, the Fair was presented at its new location. New building sponsors and construction companies, included Peter W. Busch Family Foundation, Sunrise Kiwanis Club, and Tommy Hawkins and Sons.

Great growth has occurred ever since, and we are very grateful to everyone who makes this Fair possible.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

The St Lucie County Fair is NOT a part of St Lucie County or State of Florida government and thus receives no tax dollars or other subsidies.

We are a private 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching our community by promoting education and local agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement. We accomplish this by producing a first-class 10-day Fair each Spring with quality family entertainment, Agricultural education, and recognition of youth programs in Art, Music, Horticulture and Agriculture. More than 90% of funds raised at this event stay local and bolster our local economy.

Our Goal is:

• To be Financially self-sustainable.
• To be a "Good" Neighbor in the community.
• A state of the art facility to bring various shows and expositions to the Treasure Coast.
• A facility to offer to the general public for personal use.
• To help develop the fairgrounds to a year-round facility.
• To assist in marketing to attract new entertainment based business to the area.

The St Lucie County Fair Association is a private 501c(3), non profit organization dedicated to enriching our community by promoting education and Florida agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement. We accomplish this by producing a first-class yearly ten day Fair with quality family entertainment and a lot of dedicated volunteers. Over the years we have supported other non-profits and charities throughout our community. We look forward to partnering with you to make our community stronger and better.

OUR SPONSORS

Don’t Miss the Fair

Be part of a Treasure Coast tradition since 1961 — get your tickets today and skip the line at the gate.