Crowds return to the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

Jacksonville, FL — The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is back for the first time since the pandemic began.

Fairgoers like James and Rosalind Hollis couldn’t be happier about it.

“Last year, we didn’t get to do anything,” said Rosalind. “We try to go three or four times to the fair, at least.”

A nor’easter wasn’t the start fair organizers were hoping for. It kept attendance down Friday and Saturday.

But Sunday’s Jaguars game provided a boost for the turnout.

Fair president, Bill Olsen, said more than 12,000 people came out to enjoy it.

He said, “Honestly, today was one of the better game days at the fair that I’ve seen in years.”

The fair’s website says the event draws up to 700,000 people during the nearly two-week event.

Some vendors rely on those crowds to make a living.

Andre Bulluck of Dre’s Place BBQ said he didn’t work for 14 months because of the pandemic.

“We had to live off what we saved and made over the years,” he said. “I’m just glad today I’m back out with people.”

The fair runs until November 14. Click here for ticket and event information.

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