CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Clay County Fair is back, and opening day brought big crowds to the fairgrounds for rides, animal exhibits and classic fair food.
Thousands of people filed in to witness the bright lights, live music and the screams from the attractions.
One of the first stops: the duckling exhibit, where visitors watched baby ducks swim and tumble into the water.
“They’re really just getting accustomed to swimming in the water,” one worker said. “They’re only about ten days old. And, yeah, they’re pretty easy to work with.”
Across the fairgrounds, the place was filled with families and groups of friends making memories. For some, the fair is about the rides — and the small wins that come with getting someone to try something new.
“I got her, my little sister, to go on a ride I’ve been trying to get her to go on for three years,” 14-year-old Samuel Smith said. “I’m really happy about that.”
Others said it’s the atmosphere that keeps them coming back year after year.
“The people, the nice workers and all the great rides,” Hunter Cox said, “It’s amazing. It’s just a good experience.”
And fair food was on the list — turkey legs, corn dogs, pizza and of course fried Oreos.
Wade Meadows said events like the Clay County Fair give people a chance to take a break from everyday stress.
“It’s great because it just adds some place to get away from the drama, get away from the stress and just go somewhere and have some fun,” Meadows said.
Anyone planning a visit can find what they need to know before heading out on News4JAX.com.