UPDATE: The Jacksonville Fair, a cherished tradition for over 70 years, is preparing for its final downtown event from November 6 to November 16 before relocating to the Westside in 2026. This transition marks a significant change for locals who have attended the fair for generations.
Officials confirmed that the fair will move to the Equestrian Center off Normandy Boulevard, sparking both excitement and concern among residents. While the new location promises fresh opportunities, some community members are anxious about increased traffic and safety issues in the area.
Bill Olson, executive director of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, addressed these concerns, stating, “Even though we’ve been here for 70 years, we feel it’s time… it’s just getting harder and harder for us to have the size event that we have.” He emphasized the need for change due to ongoing developments in the downtown area, including the Four Seasons hotel and the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium.
Residents like Jeannie Engle have voiced their worries about traffic disruptions as construction begins on the new fairgrounds. “I’m not opposed to the fair. I’m opposed to new development. Just widen the roads first,” she said, highlighting concerns over dangerous driving conditions exacerbated by road work.
To address these traffic issues, Olson assured that a new road off POW MIA Boulevard will provide dedicated access to the fairgrounds, aiming to alleviate congestion on Normandy Boulevard. “We’ll have a dedicated entrance and exit off of POW. So that’s going to relieve all the traffic on Normandy,” he added.
As excitement builds for this last downtown fair, Olson urges those who may have attended in the past to revisit one last time. “Those folks maybe haven’t come in a while… Seeing it one last time is really the last chance they’re going to have,” he said.
With the community split on the fair’s relocation, all eyes are on the upcoming event as it promises to be a memorable farewell to its downtown roots. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate and share their experiences before the fair embarks on a new chapter in 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
