UPDATE: The Jacksonville Fair is set for its final downtown celebration from November 6 to November 16 before relocating to the Westside in 2026. After an impressive 70 years at its current site, this beloved event is transitioning to the Equestrian Center, igniting a mix of excitement and local concern.
As preparations intensify for the fair’s last run downtown, residents are voicing apprehensions regarding potential traffic and safety issues on Normandy Boulevard, near the new fairgrounds. Bill Olson, executive director of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, emphasized that the move is necessary due to the evolving landscape of downtown Jacksonville, which has seen significant developments including the new Four Seasons hotel and the Jaguars stadium.
“Even though we’ve been here for 70 years, we feel it’s time,” Olson stated. “It’s just getting harder and harder for us to have the size event that we have.”
The new fairgrounds, currently under construction, promise to offer fresh opportunities for attendees. However, some neighbors, like Jeannie Engle, who has lived near Normandy Boulevard for over 13 years, are concerned about the impact on their community’s quiet atmosphere. “I’m not opposed to the fair. I’m opposed to new development. Just widen the roads first,” Engle remarked, highlighting dangerous driving conditions exacerbated by ongoing road work.
To address these concerns, Olson assured that a new road off POW MIA Boulevard will serve as a dedicated entrance and exit to the fairgrounds, alleviating traffic on Normandy. “So we’ll have a dedicated entrance and exit off of POW. That’s going to relieve all the traffic on Normandy,” he explained.
While the transition is still in the works, the community is urged to attend this year’s fair for what many are calling 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.
Residents can expect a bustling fair atmosphere, but they should also prepare for increased traffic during the event. As the Jacksonville Fair gears up for its final downtown showcase, the community is encouraged to engage with this cherished tradition one last time before it embarks on a new chapter.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Jacksonville Fair and its move to the Westside as plans unfold. This is an event not to be missed!
