URGENT UPDATE: The Jacksonville Fair is set for its final downtown run from November 6 to November 16 before relocating to the Westside in 2026. This beloved event, a staple for over 70 years, is making headlines as it prepares for a significant transformation.
Officials confirm that the fair’s move comes amid local development pressures and a need for larger space to accommodate the growing attendance. Bill Olson, executive director of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, stated, “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.”
As excitement builds for this year’s fair, concerns are rising among residents near the new venue on Normandy Boulevard. Local resident Jeannie Engle, who has lived in the area for over a decade, expressed her worries: “I’m not opposed to the fair. I’m opposed to new development. Just widen the roads first.” Engle highlighted ongoing road work that has made driving conditions perilous.
To address traffic concerns, fair organizers are implementing plans for a new road off POW MIA Boulevard that will provide dedicated access to the new fairgrounds at the Equestrian Center. Olson reassured residents, stating, “So we’ll have a dedicated entrance and exit off of POW. So that’s going to relieve all the traffic on Normandy.”
The downtown fair this November is seen as a nostalgic farewell. “Those folks maybe haven’t come in a while… You know coming here as a kid or whatever and seeing it one last time is really the last chance they’re going to have,” Olson added.
With the fair’s rich history and community impact, the upcoming event is expected to draw a significant crowd, reminding attendees of cherished memories while signaling a new chapter ahead. As the countdown begins, local residents are preparing for what could be their last chance to enjoy the fair in its traditional downtown home.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Jacksonville Fair embarks on this major transition.
