Fort Myers, FL, Oct. 19, 2023 – The 2024 Lee County fair will happen as planned at the Lee Civic Center.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners has a long-standing commitment to the 4-H program, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program and the Lee County fair.

As part of that commitment, the Board has never wavered that the 100th fair would happen in 2024 and will continue for years to come. Lee County assumed operation of the fair to ensure that long tradition continues uninterrupted after the previous organizer’s contract expired Sept. 30 despite efforts to negotiate a contract extension.

To reiterate the Board’s commitment, Board Vice Chairman Mike Greenwell and County Manager Dave Harner today held a media update to discuss the fair and dispel rumors. To view the media briefing, go to: https://youtu.be/6yHDZCws4mc.

Lee County Parks & Recreation has extensive experience hosting large-scale special events year-round. Lee County is working with an entertainment and ride vendor – and long-time fair volunteers – to bring the classic fair experience and enhancements to the community.

Earlier this week, the Board received an update related to the fair and Civic Center. The discussion at the regularly scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 17, meeting included a vote to:

·         Authorize staff to continue to work with 4-H partners to prepare an agenda item for a regularly scheduled Board meeting that will identify the cost of the equipment that is needed to maintain the 4-H youth activities.

·         Authorize staff to negotiate with the third-party fair show vendor for Lee County to host the 2024 Annual Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair; prepare an agenda item for Board approval once terms and conditions have been determined.

You can watch the discussion and video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELs2Z7TJWXs.

More information about the Board’s commitment to the Civic Center and its activities as well as an interactive map, video to past Board discussions and more are available at www.leegov.com/civiccenter.