What started as a small, agricultural fair in a place now known as Dadeland, has grown into one of the country’s largest and most successful fairs. The Miami Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. is a private not-for-profit corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors. In its mission, the organization is dedicated to enriching our community by promoting education and South Florida agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement. It is accomplished by producing a first-class Fair with quality entertainment providing facilities and resources for year-round events.
The Miami-Dade County Fair will celebrate its 57th year, March 27- April 13, 2008 and is located at the Fair Expo Center on Coral Way and 112th Avenue.
Close to 700,000 people come to The Fair each year to take part in the education, agriculture, horticulture, livestock, entertainment, food and rides on the 86 acre fairgrounds.
In 1952 Southeast Florida and Dade County Youth Fair, Inc. is formed as a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, with its roots in agriculture. The Fair is not part of Miami-Dade County government. There are NO TAX DOLLARS involved. The Fair began as a 4-day event to showcase the produce, livestock and homemaking projects of 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) students. These groups participated to win ribbons, trophies and cash awards, as they still do today. It was fondly called: “Youth Fair.” The name remained the same until 1991 and was modified again in 1997. The number of fair days fluctuated from 3 - 6 through 1970.
| 1952 |
Camp Tequesta – U.S. 1 & Kendall Drive (Dadeland) |
| 1955 |
Tamiami Airport at SW 8 Street & 112 Avenue |
| 1958 |
Kendall Drive & 93 Avenue (K-land) |
| 1971 |
11 days - Kendall Drive & 93 Avenue (K-land) |
| 1972 |
11 days - Moved to permanent grounds: Tamiami Park (through long-term lease agreement with Miami-Dade County). |
| 1982 |
Number of days increased to 18 – The current length of fair. |
| 1987 |
“Fountain of Youth & Unity” – Dedicated as a salute to youth achievement and Miami-Dade County’s multi-cultural community (with flags from participating municipalities). Rededicated in 1998 to the “One Community One Goal” Initiative. |
| 1989 |
Beginning of multi-million dollar grounds expansion program – Through the vision and leadership of the fair’s President and CEO (E. Darwin Fuchs, CFE) its Board of Directors and the auspices of Miami-Dade County’s Board of County Commissioners, a symbiotic relationship was developed with Miami-Dade County Parks, Florida International University and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The end product illustrates what can be achieved when government (at all levels) works in concert with private (non-profit) entities to create a winning combination for the entire community.
Name changed: THE FAIR Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. |
| 1991 |
Signature Corner – The fair built two new buildings for Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation to replace those that were torn-down and in order to create the landmark at Coral Way & SW 107 Avenue. Construction began in November and was completed for the 1992 fair. |
| 1993 |
“HOWDY” Program began – Special field trips designed for third grade students as an introduction to agriculture.
AG AMBASSADOR Program began – An elite corps of students selected from 4-H and FFA club members to serve as a link between urban fair visitors and Miami-Dade County’s rural agricultural background. |
| 1994 |
Adult Competitive Exhibits Added. |
| 1995 |
Fairgrounds expanded from 60 to 80 acres -- Tamiami Stadium moved to a new location straddling Tamiami Park and Florida International University. The Fair built new buildings, put in new lighting and moved existing bleachers. Miami-Dade County Public Schools supplied the track. Its new name: FIU Community Stadium |
| 1996 |
FIU Performing Arts Center completed on NW quadrant of fairgrounds. The Fair acted as catalyst providing space and initial funding of $1.4 million.
Major expansion program completed – Theme park style main entrance, expanded and
improved parking, air-conditioned exhibition buildings, fully paved and landscaped grounds – all utilities underground. |
| 1997 |
Fair’s Dance, Drama & Music competitions take place at FIU Performing Arts Center – FIU students provide technical support.
Fair name modified to: The FAIR ™ Dade County Fair & Exposition
Facility name changed to: Fair Expo Center Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. |
| 1998 |
All Road Signs (new) lead to: Fair Expo Center |
| 1999 |
Name changed: Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. |
| 2001 |
The Fair established the Walter B. Arnold Jr. Youth Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes and rewards those students whose unselfish commitment of time and energy has impacted others in a beneficial way. The process is open to all Miami-Dade County students enrolled in grades six through 12, who have shown the ability to lead and involve others, by servicing their school and community. The Youth Hall of Fame is the vision of the late Walter B. Arnold Jr., nicknamed “Mr. Youth Fair,” for devoting 41 years to growing The Fair from a small, agricultural fair to today’s major South Florida event. Arnold passed away in May 2000, but left a legacy of youth advocacy that continues today through the Youth Hall of Fame. |
| 2005 |
The Sunshine Pavilion at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition was named the only pet-friendly hurricane evacuation center in Miami-Dade County. As a result, now hurricane evacuees and their pets registered with Miami-Dade County have a place where they can be safe during hurricanes. |
| 2006 |
“Discover the All-New Fair”- The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition continues all of its student, adult and vocational programs, while adding new departments each year. Scholarship funding by The Fair reached a significant milestone of over $2 million when 63 outstanding Miami-Dade County high school seniors were awarded $2,000 each in scholarships. |
| 2007 |
Sunshine Pavilion name changed to E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion - for 34 years E. Darwin Fuchs, President Emeritus had served and lead The Fair as President/CEO. His vision made THe Fair what it is today. It was only fitting to name this pavilion, built under his guidance and vision, for him. |
| Year |
1952 |
2008 |
| Number of Student Exhibits |
564 |
38,443 |
| Number of Adult Exhibits |
0 |
287 |
| Attendance |
8,743 |
675,000 |
| Scholarships (Began in 1958) |
$450 |
$448,933 |
| Volunteers |
178 |
1,200+
(100,000 hours) |
Paid Employees: Full-time
|
0 |
45 |
| Temporary Employees at Fair Time |
|
3,000+ |
|
