(Photo provided by World of Wonders Entertainment Experience)
Indian River County's favorite fair is back! New this year will be “World of Wonders”, the largest and longest running traveling 10-in-1 in the world today. Some of the ten live acts include sword swallowers, fire eaters, “Human Blockheads”, the Strong Lady, magicians and escape artists, all performing under the big tent.
Popular attractions and shows returning include the Firefighter Training Show for kids, sponsored by MidFlorida Credit Union, and the Jon Simon Comedy Hypnosis Show, sponsored by Inside Track Almanac. In addition, the Vero Beach Recreation Department will present its Aerial Antics show, and there will be vendors inside the TC Palm/LocaliQ Exhibition Building.
The Indian River County Youth 4-H Clubs and their projects will be on display in the B94.7 Agriculture Pavilion, along with the swine, breedstock, poulty, rabbit, steer, and boer goat and sheep shows, among others.
In an effort to provide a safer fair in light of the pandemic, social distancing in seating for shows on the main stage will be in effect, hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the midway, and face masks are encouraged for all fair-goers.
“The fair was the first event locally to be cancelled last year due to COVID-19, so we are really excited to be able to bring the fun back this year, and are taking all the necessary precautions to provide a safe environment,” said fair general manager, Wayne Howard.
As a nonprofit organization, community outreach continues to be a focus of the Firefighter’s Fair. On opening night, March 12, a dollar for each paid adult admission will be donated by the Firefighters Fair to the American Red Cross. On March 16 & 18, anyone who brings a nonperishable food item for United Against Poverty in Indian River County, will receive $3 off the price of a ride wristband. On March 21, those who bring an article of clothing for The Salvation Army will receive the $3 discount. In addition, the OneBlood mobile unit will be on premises to accept blood donations and provide a free wellness checkup on March 14.
“Our community is hurting even more due to the pandemic, so we definitely are committed to continuing to raise awareness for these organizations and provide our support this year, especially,” said Howard.
Proceeds from the fair benefit the Indian River County Burn Fund to provide financial assistance to burn victims, as well as going toward scholarships, fairground improvements and other charitable causes.
In addition to individual tickets, the fair features all-you-can-ride wristbands, with prices varying by day. Gate admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 55+ and children 6 to 12, as well as for military and first responders. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is always free. The fairgrounds are located at 7955 58th Avenue,Vero Beach. Due to construction underway on 58th Avenue just south of the Fairgrounds, those traveling north should take 66th Avenue or US 1 to 77th Street to reach the fairgrounds. The fair opens Monday - Friday at 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. Closing times vary by day.
Advanced discounted Power Passes, good for gate admission and ride wristband, are on sale now through opening. Those who purchased advanced tickets for the 2020 fair may use them this year.
For details on the fair, including hours, advanced ticket locations, and entertainment schedule, visit www.firefightersfair.org.