Southwest Florida Lee County Fair opens Thursday

The Southwest Florida Lee County Fair is back but with some changes thanks to the pandemic.

The organizers for the fair put the finishing touches on the grounds of the Lee County Civic Center on Wednesday ahead of its Thursday opening. Gates open at 4 p.m. and will run until Sunday, March 7.

The fair is in its 97th year and even in the pandemic, organizers were determined to keep it going.

Despite the pandemic, organizers promise the fair will be a place to have fun and spend time with family and friends.

In a year where so many events have been canceled, Mike Peak, president of the Board of Directors for the fair, said the show must go on. Masks aren’t required but they are encouraged.

“We have temperature checks when you first enter at the entrance that will measure temperatures,” Peak said. “We have less food vendors, we’ve thinned them out. For social distancing and also for a ride so we have thinned them out. We have a few less rides this year.”

Rides will be disinfected after each run.

“It’s that big comfort zone, you know, you want people to be comfortable but it’s almost all outside other than the Civic Center,” Peak said.

The fair will include the animals and the fair food and the rides.

Peak said he enjoys being able to offer an event for families to enjoy.

“This is a great family event, a great family atmosphere,” Peak said. “That is what we strive for and it is so great to see all these families enjoy themselves.”