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Manatee County Fair to open Jan. 16; organizers highlight livestock entries, entertainment and no gate-price increase
Summary
Organizers told the Board that the Manatee County Fair opens Jan. 16 for its 109th year with agricultural exhibits, more than 500 youth exhibitors and a full entertainment schedule; organizers also said gate and parking prices remain unchanged.
Organizers of the Manatee County Fair told the Board of County Commissioners Jan. 8 that the county’s annual fair will open Thursday, Jan. 16, for the event’s 109th anniversary and outlined livestock competitions, entertainment and volunteer and sponsor support.
"This is our 109th anniversary," said Danny, the fair representative, describing the schedule and theme. Organizers said the fair’s theme for 2025 is “keeping agriculture alive in 2025.”
Patrick Bryant, president of the Manatee River Fair Association, urged residents to attend and emphasized agricultural education and youth participation. Organizers said 538 Manatee County youth had registered to show 839 livestock animals and 181 plant exhibits this year, with multiple livestock sale dates scheduled during the run of the fair.
The fair’s lineup includes stage performers, youth pageants and family programming; organizers also announced donor sponsorship levels (15 gold, 16 silver, 11 bronze) and more than 100 youth livestock sponsors. Fair leadership said they would not raise gate or parking prices for 2025.
Commissioners thanked fair organizers for their work and encouraged residents to attend. Several commissioners asked practical questions about registration deadlines and contest divisions; staff directed residents to the fair website for full schedules and registration forms.
Why it matters: The Manatee County Fair is an annual community and agricultural event that draws families and youth exhibitors; the county hosts the fair as a civic partner and commissioners used the presentation to highlight community engagement and youth agricultural education.
