One of Marion County’s most time-honored traditions and the oldest youth livestock fair in the country will return to Ocala this week for its 85th installment.
The Southeastern Youth Fair will return to Ocala’s Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 NE Jacksonville Road) this week, with exhibitors beginning set up on Tuesday, February 18.
The two-week event is free to attend and will open to the public on February 20, with the fair running through Saturday, March 1 at the site in northeast Ocala.
This year’s theme is “Footloose at the Fair,” with Marion County 4H and FFA members looking to showcase everything from art to livestock.
The fair includes competition, exhibition, enhanced educational opportunities, and the promotion of self esteem, and personal growth and development of Marion County’s youth, while aiding in the education of local citizens regarding the importance of agriculture and related industries in the area.
The event will include shows, auctions, competitions, a barbeque contest, a tractor show, a barn dance, an award ceremony, and other activities.
Billed as the oldest, all-youth fair in the country, the Southeastern Youth Fair began as a steer show in 1941. The Youth Fair, as it is known today, officially began in 1978, according to the SYF website.
For more information on the event, visit the Southeastern Youth Fair webpage.