The Hernando County Fair is an institution that has been around since 1950. This year, the fair runs now through April 13.
The Hernando County Fair, 6436 Broad Street in Brooksville, includes many activities for all ages but is mostly geared toward the young at heart. There is a petting/feeding zoo area where they sold food for the assortment of animals that were there. There were alpacas, bottle-fed baby goats, giant turtles, a zebra, a baby kangaroo, Clydesdale horses and many more animals. There were camel rides and pony rides for the kids.
There is a display area where quilts, and quilted shirts, lego art, jams, jellies and recipes are displayed and prizes were awarded.
Reptile experts Pharaoh and Marina have a booth where they demonstrate how to interact with alligators. Pharaoh demonstrated the traditional Miccosukee alligator wrestling technique. They also have young alligators that visitors could hold to become acclimated to these reptiles. Pharaoh runs an organization called Pharaoh’s Wildlife Kingdom geared toward reptile education.
There are many food vendors offering a variety of choices, including soul food, barbecue, smoked turkey legs and pizza.
About half the fair is dedicated to the Midway. The Midway is the main part of the fair dedicated to games and concessions. This year, the Midway was supplied by Belle City out of Longwood, Florida. Belle City has been around since 1948 and their rides appear well maintained. There are a number of rides: a giant drop, a weightless experience where centripetal force keeps you pressed against the side of the ride; a ride where you go around in a circle and go completely upside down, a rock and roll ride, and many more. Games had prizes including giant stuffed animals.
Nothing But Trouble has a monster truck at the fair and they are selling monster truck merchandise and giving rides. This enormous truck had seating in the bed for those interested in experiencing what it is like to ride in a monster truck.
The fair offers an opportunity for children to make lifelong memories and for adults to revisit their childhood. The fair offers hours of entertainment if rides, games of skill, contests, food, or animals spark your interest.
Figure 8 races will take place on April 12 and The Demolition Derby is on April 13. Both are at 7 p.m.
Parking is available for a $2 donation to benefit Coastal Cheer Athletics. There is a charge for admission.
Hours for the remainder of the fair:
Thursday April 11th: 5pm – 10pm
Friday April 12th: 5pm – 11pm
Saturday April 13th: 1pm – 11pm
More information:
https://www.hernandofairgrounds.com
