UPDATE: The Jacksonville Fair is set for its final downtown event from November 6 to November 16, 2023, before relocating to the Westside in 2026. This beloved local tradition, a staple for over 70 years, is facing mixed emotions as community members raise concerns about the upcoming transition.
As preparations intensify for this year’s fair, residents near the new site on Normandy Boulevard express unease over potential traffic and safety issues. The fair’s executive director, Bill Olson, confirmed that the move aims to accommodate larger crowds and modernize the event. “Even though we’ve been here for 70 years, we feel it’s time, because of everything happening around us,” he stated.
The fairgrounds will shift to the Equestrian Center off Normandy Boulevard, where construction is already in progress. Despite the promise of new opportunities, some locals, including Jeannie Engle, are wary. “I’m not opposed to the fair. I’m opposed to new development. Just widen the roads first,” Engle commented, highlighting ongoing road work and hazardous driving conditions.
Olson addressed these concerns, announcing plans for a dedicated entrance and exit from POW MIA Boulevard to alleviate traffic on Normandy. “That’s going to relieve all the traffic on Normandy,” he assured. Residents hope this will mitigate congestion, allowing them to enjoy the fair without the hassle of heavy traffic.
While the future of the Jacksonville Fair is shifting, this year’s event promises nostalgia for many. “Those folks maybe haven’t come in a while… This is really the last chance they’re going to have,” Olson remarked, urging the community to come out for one last downtown experience.
With the countdown to the fair underway, locals are reminded that this is a pivotal moment in Jacksonville’s cultural landscape. The excitement and concerns surrounding the future fairgrounds underscore the significance of this beloved event to the community.
As Jacksonville prepares for this change, all eyes will be on the fair’s last run downtown. The community’s response will likely shape the fair’s future, making this a critical moment for both residents and organizers.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and provide updates on the Jacksonville Fair’s transition to the Westside.
