Photo by Loren Lyons
The Ferris wheel, funnel cakes and the animals are among the attractions at the annual North Florida Fair. It will kick-off Thursday, Nov. 7 and run through Nov. 17.
The North Florida Fair is a nonprofit organization that has been part of the Tallahassee community for more than 20 years. On average, about 120,000 people attend the fair each year. Throughout the years the fair has built a relationship with local businesses and community organizations.
Many local arts programs perform at the fair and gain exposure from it.
Grady Jefferson, a dancer and member of Tallahassee Community College’s dance team said that he has performed at the fair for three years. His favorite part about performing is being able to touch people from all walks of life. Jefferson believes it helps bring exposure to his dance organizations and it allows the community to see what talent the city has to offer.
“We enjoy performing every year. We like to bring something different that no one has seen, and it is ministry to us. We dance with a purpose and we enjoy sharing that with the community,” he said.
Additionally, the performance group Dance Electric Dance Teams has been performing at the fair for 12 years and every year it features new dances for the fair crowd.
“We have had some of the best supporters at the North Florida Fair. Not only do the dancers love entertaining the crowd they also get rewarded with rides after their performance. The girls are always looking forward to it,” said owner and director Angela Burkhardt-Bowden Parker of Dance Electric Dance Academy.
City of Tallahassee employee Aurora Hanson previously worked with the Parks and Recreations Center with the 4-H program youth development program. The program allowed kids to complete projects from baking, sewing to arts and crafts. The kids brought their creations to the to be judged at the fair’s contest. The more projects they did the more money they brought in. The kids could win between $10-$20. This small amount made such a big impact on these kids allowing many of them to purchase Christmas gifts for their families, she said.
“It was fun when I was involved with it. Just seeing the things that the kids did made my day,” said Hanson.
The fair can be a fun place that helps the community. It is an entertainment spot for family and friends to enjoy a night of games, food and attractions.
There are several ticket promotions that the North Florida Fair will be having to make sure it is economically friendly for families. Opening day will only be $1 for admission and many of the weekdays will have specials to attract the public to attend.
Executive director of the North Florida Fair, Mark Harvey, said, “I want people to come, that’s why I price it the way I do, it is a very affordable fair.”
According to the North Florida Fair website, the pre-sales tickets and wrist bands are available now at RCD Shell Stations and Springtime Tallahassee locations.