What to know when you go

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – A longtime custom in Northeast Florida returns Thursday because the Clay County Fair will get underway, celebrating 40 years in Green Cove Springs.

Plenty of enjoyable will likely be packed into the following 11 days on the Clay County Fairgrounds, from amusement rides and truthful meals to music and rather more.

Gates open at 2 p.m. Thursday, and the truthful runs day by day by April 12.

Health & security

There are going to be lots of people on the truthful over the following week and a half, and truthful organizers have some necessary reminders: Stay hydrated and put on hats, sunscreen and correct strolling footwear.

“Sunscreen. It’s a big deal,” stated David Kuykendall, who’s the Clay County Fire Rescue battalion chief. “Please, especially with children and things of that nature [wear sunscreen]. Also, [wear] comfortable shoes. We treat a lot of injuries for blisters and things that that nature. We look forward to a great fair.”

Parents must also take an image of their youngster once they get to the truthful in case they get misplaced so first responders can simply determine them, together with what they’re sporting.

For emergency alerts and knowledge individuals want to listen to about what’s occurring on the truthful, guests are requested to obtain the Safer Watch app for emergencies and go to ClayCountygov.com to enroll to get alerts.

Sheriff Michelle Cook is encouraging dad and mom to do one factor in the event that they plan on dropping their teenagers off on the truthful and leaving them unsupervised.

“Have a conversation with your teen about behavior in general. Have a conversation with your teen about what you expect from them, and just know that any sort of shenanigans — more than 100,000 people come to enjoy this family-friendly fair, and we are going to keep it family-friendly,” Cook stated.

Fair organizers remind guests that baggage, purses and packages will likely be topic to look at every of the Fair’s entrances.

And clothes and visual tattoos that depict violence, nudity, gang affiliation, vulgarity, offensive, or discriminatory language or graphics usually are not allowed on the truthful. Facial coverings are additionally not permitted, except for spiritual or health-related causes, organizers stated.

MORE: Fair hours & admission prices | Concert schedule

Traffic & parking

Traffic is all the time an enormous matter for the truthful, however two ramps on the interchange of the First Coast Expressway and State Road 16 can be found now, which may make attending to and from the truthful quicker.

Drivers will be capable to enter the First Coast Expressway southbound from State Road 16 and exit from the First Coast Expressway northbound onto State Road 16.

In the previous, many of the visitors got here from US-17 in Green Cove Springs to the east.

Parking is free at the Fairgrounds, and Cook stated drivers must observe the instructions of the deputies on web site who’re directing visitors and parking.

“Be prepared, leave early if you have a concert or a specific time that you want to get here,” Cook stated. “Pack your patience and listen to the deputies that are out on the roads working.”

You may also tune into FM station 88.5 for a recurring message about visitors.

Fair organizers ask guests to make sure you lock automobiles and pay attention to the place they’ve parked within the three heaps: North, Main, & South.

MORE: Guest services information | Fairgrounds map

Weather

Organizers urge you to test the climate earlier than you go to the truthful every day.

If there may be any lightning, heavy wind or main climate occasion, you’ll need to shelter in place or return to your automobile.

Once the extreme climate passes, it is possible for you to to re-enter the truthful.

Fair organizers ask guests to concentrate to any overhead bulletins from the intercom.