The History of the Broward County Fair

For 35 years the Broward County Fair has been striving to increase the awareness of Broward County's agricultural roots and vast agri-business industries, while encouraging a higher level of learning through educational exhibits, scholarship programs and prize monies. The fair presents the finest program of family entertainment to the Broward County community and enhances community spirit through the support of local charities and organizations.

The Broward County Fair was chartered in 1976, by the Florida Department of Agriculture, chapter 616 of the Florida Statutes. The Fair holds a 501(c)3 not-for-profit status, as do all state chartered fairs in Florida.

For 35 years, the Broward County Fair has provided the community with a first-rate family entertainment venue. The fair is also instrumental in assisting in Broward's education process. It is at the Fair that Broward school children may showcase their endeavors.

Fair premium books will be available to all, on-line in early April. Individual department and contest information wil be available, at the same time, in hard-copy, to all.  This will allow teachers early year access to creative classroom programming and FCAT projects by utilizing the Fair departments.  Interested students will, further, be given, extra time to plan and prepare fair projects.

The fair, also, contributes to other area not-for-profit organizations, through cash contributions, information dissemination opportunities and volunteer help, the fair's presence has always been felt as an integral part of the community. Organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, the Museum of Science and Discovery, the Broward Mental Health Association, Crime Watch, Police Youth Explorers, U of M Burn Center, Broward Sheriff's Association and the Shriners have all received visual and monetary assistance from the fair.

The Broward County Fair, in its endeavors, follows the tradition of all fairs. Fairs are as much a part of American life as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. They have withstood the test of time and continue to impact modern America. Annually, the top 59 fairs draw crowds of more than 44 million people, an attendance that rivals all major league baseball games combined!

Originally planned as annual arenas of competition for farmers, fairs today carry on this tradition. The county fair, features the work of local youth involved in agriculture and horticulture endeavors. In Broward, the numbers of students so involved has, in recent years, dwindled. This makes the fair more important. It is necessary to keep the tradition of farming alive. It is the only opportunity for our urbanized youth to gather a glimpse of this lifestyle. All children should be made aware that "Milk doesn't come from Publix."

Further, though traditional agriculture is diminishing in Broward County, agribusiness industries are the number one or number two income producer for the county annually. These businesses include the ornamental trees, pest control, and golf course maintenance.

While the fair is all this; its much more. The Broward County Fair is a time-honored tradition and an anually anticipated sign of fall. It is a vehicle for producing quality family time. It is the special place where long-term, happy family memories are created.