GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Officials met Tuesday morning to discuss security plans to safely get visitors in and out of the fairgrounds in preparation for the upcoming Clay County Agricultural Fair that starts April 4.
With days away from opening day of the Clay County Fair, people are working to transform the fairgrounds for what Fair Executive Director Tasha Hyder says could be their biggest year yet.
“Last year we had 160,000 people attend the Clay County Fair and with all of our new visitors moving into the area, I think we could easily hit 200,000,” Hyder said.
With the potential for bigger crowds, the fair is adding more parking spots, lighting in the lots and ramping up the number of officers present to make getting to the fair a little easier.
“We will have extra deputies posted at key intersections to keep the traffic moving, but again during peak hours, you can expect some traffic delays” said Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook.
Cook says security is a priority this year at the fair, adding that officers will be in and outside the fairgrounds.
“We will have both uniform deputies within the key points of the fairgrounds footprint, near the entrances, near the exits, near the vendor halls, and we will also have plain-clothed deputies walking around the fairgrounds as well,” Cook said.
Officials are warning the public to expect traffic delays along State Road 16 during the 11-day fair.
If you want to buy tickets to the fair, click here.