Business Details
Sarasota Agricultural Fair & Event Venues
The Sarasota County Fair, Inc. is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage and fostering community engagement through annual events. Established with a mission to showcase Sarasota County's agricultural industry, commerce, and cultural traditions, we produce the Sarasota Agricultural Fair, attracting over 140,000 attendees annually. Our organization operates the fairgrounds and Robarts Arena as public assets, maintaining fee simple title with a commitment to continuous public use.We prioritize innovative planning, environmental stewardship, and youth development while operating independently of local government without taxpayer subsidies. Our board of directors ensures responsible management of resources to sustain family entertainment, economic vitality, and educational initiatives that reflect our region's unique character and values.
Services
Agricultural Fairs
Livestock Exhibitions
Event Venues
Youth Education
Facility Rentals
Highlights and features
- We operate as a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on community enrichment
- Our association has produced annual agricultural fairs since 1944
- We maintain permanent facilities including Robarts Arena and fairgrounds
- Our board ensures responsible stewardship of public assets
- We combine tradition with modern event management practices
Associations and certifications
- 501c3
Services
Agricultural Fairs
The Sarasota Agricultural Fair showcases local agriculture through livestock competitions, educational exhibits, and family entertainment. This annual event features midway rides, live performances, and commercial vendors while promoting agricultural education and traditions in a modern festival format.
Livestock Exhibitions
Our livestock programs provide educational opportunities for youth and professional breeders through competitive animal exhibitions. These events include cattle, swine, and poultry competitions that emphasize animal husbandry, agricultural education, and youth development programs.
Event Venues
The association manages multiple event spaces including Robarts Arena, Potter Building, and Ken Clark Building. These venues host trade shows, concerts, social events, and commercial exhibitions throughout the year with flexible configurations for various event types.
Questions
What is the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair Association?
We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization that produces the annual Sarasota Agricultural Fair and manages event facilities in Sarasota, Florida.
When does the Sarasota Agricultural Fair occur?
Our annual fair typically takes place in February or March, featuring 12 days of entertainment, livestock competitions, and educational exhibits.
What facilities do you rent for events?
We offer Robarts Arena, Potter Building, Ken Clark Building, and outdoor spaces for weddings, trade shows, concerts, and community events.
How can I participate in livestock shows?
Youth and professional exhibitors can join our livestock competitions by submitting applications during registration periods announced on our website.
How do you support agricultural education?
We provide youth development programs through 4-H partnerships, livestock exhibition opportunities, and educational displays at our annual fair.
Reviews (6)
Deb R.
Mar 18, 2019
Report
The ride employees are very nice. Looking out for kids, checking seat belts, telling kids to put away the phone while on the ride and very proffesional. The game attendants are friendly, not pushy, and inviting people to play in a nice way. Prices very fair. Really nice. Definitely recommend.
Rory D.
Mar 24, 2018
Report
Have gone to this fair many years over the past 20 years. If you get past the "carni" people, food, rides, & midway games, there are some great livestock & 4-H exhibits, which Sarasota has a rich history of. These include rabbits, poultry, swine, cattle, and more. There are also 4-H project exhibits, science fair winners, a plant exhibit, a commercial vendor hall, a cracker craft and building exhibit, and several animal and other shows. There is also live music and more. Sarasota throws a pretty respectable fair, and much of it is a great learning exhibit for children and families
John A.
Jun 02, 2017
Report
I had a great time there I would like them to change it up a bit year after year. The event is huge and has a lot of options.
John L.
Mar 25, 2014
Report
SO boring! The fair was tiny, you were confined to a small pen/tent to drink beer, it was the most quiet I've ever heard any fair. Must've been depression or funeral day. Even though the cheese curds were pretty amazing and there were lots of booty shorts, I can guarantee I'll never be back!
Olga G.
Apr 30, 2013
Report
Fair is a fair. Some cool foods, tried deep fried cheesecake, it was yumm, some animals to see, our daughter had a blast on the rides. It is a pretty big one, so that's a plus. We would come back for sure
Francesco C.
Mar 22, 2013
Report
77th Annual Sarasota County Fair (March 15-24)2013
It's been a tradition to take my son to the fair every year, his mom takes him one day and I take him on another day.
So, if you like deep fried Oreo's or Elephant Ears this place has it. I myself always grab a hold of the Italian Sausage sandwich with sweet peppers! Many rides to choose from, entertaining children from 5 - 55! I like the way the grounds separates the rides by age limits and heights. You know where to take your 5 year old and where to take your 18 year old. Also entertaining, the Pot Belly Pig races and the Livestock
It's been a tradition to take my son to the fair every year, his mom takes him one day and I take him on another day.
So, if you like deep fried Oreo's or Elephant Ears this place has it. I myself always grab a hold of the Italian Sausage sandwich with sweet peppers! Many rides to choose from, entertaining children from 5 - 55! I like the way the grounds separates the rides by age limits and heights. You know where to take your 5 year old and where to take your 18 year old. Also entertaining, the Pot Belly Pig races and the Livestock