Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair starts Friday
87th annual event to feature new rides, shows and exhibits, with returning favorites


By ANDREA GALABINSKI
Cape Coral Daily Breeze
You can come with the family all day, or take part in Moonlight Madness Nights, and see all the animals, enjoy exhibits, great food, rides and music.
The 87th Annual Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair begins this Friday, Feb. 25, and will run through Sunday, March 6, at the Lee Civic Center.
"Moonlight Madness" nights this year are Friday, Feb. 25, and Friday, March 4. Moonlight Madness goes from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with unlimited rides for $20.
Many come just to enjoy the animal and other exhibits. The fair draws exhibitors from five counties from 4-H and Future Farmers of America and other participants.
There will be the standard favorites in rides along with new rides.
For entertainment and shows, local talent is always a favorite, including the returning Ronnie Morgan, Brooke Huffmaster and the Del Prados.
Concerning shows for all ages, the popular kid favorites Kandu & Co. Magic Show and Tadpole the Clown will be back this year, along with the Wild About Monkeys animal show and the Shark Encounter. New is the Discovering Science Exhibit and the new Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show.
Executive producer Chris the "Stunt Dog Guy" Perondi is the organizer of the Extreme Canine Stunt Show. "We've been traveling nationwide and will do about 700 shows this year, at theme parks, events and other county fairs."
His dogs have been featured on Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen Show, even the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
"We'll be bringing all different breeds - I rescue them from shelters."
He said it takes about a year to train the dogs, and they love performing. "My slogan is that it is fur-flying family fun. We're looking forward to our first time in Fort Myers."
Another new happening at the fair this year is that organizers are offering children's birthday parties, said Fair General Manager Alta Mosley. For birthday party information, call 543-8364.
What does she like most about the fair? "My satisfaction is seeing other people's enjoyment," she said. "We hope people will come and see the fair grow."
Regular admission is $7 adults, $4 children six to 11, five and under free, with free parking.
Weekdays, the fair opens at 5 p.m., and at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Lee Civic Center is located at 11831 Bayshore Rd. in North Fort Myers.

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