GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – A longtime tradition in Northeast Florida returns Thursday as the Clay County Fair gets underway, celebrating 40 years in Green Cove Springs.
A lot of fun will be packed into the next 11 days at the Clay County Fairgrounds, from amusement rides and fair food to music and much more.
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Gates open at 2 p.m. Thursday, and the fair runs daily through April 12.
Health & safety
There are going to be a lot of people at the fair over the next week and a half, and fair organizers have some important reminders: Stay hydrated and wear hats, sunscreen and proper walking shoes.
“Sunscreen. It’s a big deal,” said David Kuykendall, who is the Clay County Fire Rescue battalion chief. “Please, especially with children and things of that nature [wear sunscreen]. Also, [wear] comfortable shoes. We treat a lot of injuries for blisters and things that that nature. We look forward to a great fair.”
Parents should also take a picture of their child when they get to the fair in case they get lost so first responders can easily identify them, including what they’re wearing.
For emergency alerts and information people need to hear about what’s happening at the fair, visitors are asked to download the Safer Watch app for emergencies and go to Clay Countygov.com to sign up to get alerts.
Sheriff Michelle Cook is encouraging parents to do one thing if they plan on dropping their teens off at the fair and leaving them unsupervised.
“Have a conversation with your teen about behavior in general. Have a conversation with your teen about what you expect from them, and just know that any sort of shenanigans -- more than 100,000 people come to enjoy this family-friendly fair, and we are going to keep it family-friendly,” Cook said.
Fair organizers remind visitors that bags, purses and packages will be subject to search at each of the Fair’s entrances.
And clothing and visible tattoos that depict violence, nudity, gang affiliation, vulgarity, offensive, or discriminatory language or graphics are not allowed at the fair. Facial coverings are also not permitted, unless for religious or health-related reasons, organizers said.
MORE: Fair hours & admission prices | Concert schedule
Traffic & parking
Traffic is always a big topic for the fair, but two ramps at the interchange of the First Coast Expressway and State Road 16 are available now, which could make getting to and from the fair faster.
Drivers will be able to enter the First Coast Expressway southbound from State Road 16 and exit from the First Coast Expressway northbound onto State Road 16.
In the past, most of the traffic came from US-17 in Green Cove Springs to the east.
Parking is free at the Fairgrounds, and Cook said drivers need to follow the directions of the deputies on site who are directing traffic and parking.
“Be prepared, leave early if you have a concert or a specific time that you want to get here,” Cook said. “Pack your patience and listen to the deputies that are out on the roads working.”
You can also tune into FM station 88.5 for a recurring message about traffic.
Fair organizers ask visitors to be sure to lock vehicles and take note of where they have parked in the three lots: North, Main, & South.
MORE: Guest services information | Fairgrounds map
Weather
Organizers urge you to check the weather before you go to the fair each day.
If there is any lightning, heavy wind or major weather event, you will need to shelter in place or go back to your car.
Once the severe weather passes, you will be able to re-enter the fair.
Fair organizers ask visitors to pay attention to any overhead announcements from the intercom.