The 16th annual Apopka Fair opened Thursday, March 9. Organized by the Rotary Club of Apopka and the city of Apopka, this year’s fair is taking place through Sunday, March 12.
Held at Kit Land Nelson Park, located on Park Avenue between First and Oak Streets, no new news is good news when it comes to the fair. As the symbol of the kind of environment the area promotes, newer additions over recent years have only increased what was an already a high level of anticipation.
This year is the second the beer and wine garden is being offered. Three musical acts will also be performing at the beer and wine garden. A selection of craft beers from the Florida Beer Company as well as cider, wine, and sangria will be offered. The menu is as follows:
Acoustic guitar-driven act Casey Brents will perform on Friday night. Performing on Saturday is the Apopka High School Jazz Band and the Bobby Sanders Band. Times are noon and 7 p.m., respectively.
The sounds, smells and shining chrome of automobiles will also return as a further expression of the purpose of the fair. Held as a part of every Apopka Fair, the 16th annual Anniversary Antique, Classic and Special Interest Car Show takes place on Saturday.
Merchandise vendors have also carved out a niche as a familiar sight, offering a wide range and diversity of wares as well.
At 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Apopka Police Department will present what has become its signature contribution to the fair, the K-9 demonstration.
A $2-off coupon for armbands purchased between noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday can be found in the Apopka Fair flyer. However, armbands are valid until 4 p.m. on Sunday. A family pack of 24 tickets can be purchased for $20. A family value ticket pack of 60 tickets costs $45. Individual rides are $1. Prices are set by Paradise Amusements and subject to change.
On Friday, the fair opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Saturday hours are noon to 11 p.m. Noon until 8 p.m. are the hours of operation on Sunday.
Admission into the fair is free. However, parking is $5 for an entire day. Animals are not allowed on the property.
Sponsoring companies are The Apopka Chief and The Planter, Belben Realty Group, CF Insurance Services Inc., FirstCard Merchant Services, Florida Hospital-Apopka, Lake Apopka Natural Gas, Legal Shield, Metro Bench, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Primerica, St. Germain Chiropractic Clinic, Wal-Mart and Waste Management. Sponsorships are still being sought.
Proceeds from the fair are donated to local charities, service organizations, schools, and other community institutions through the Rotary Club.
For more information, including any activities/events and sponsorships, visit www.apopkafair.com. For information about the car show on Saturday, call Swanberg at 407-886-5844.
An extended version of this story can be found in the Friday, March 10, edition of The Apopka Chief.
