Seniors/Veterans Day and Harry Chapin Food Bank Night just a few of the ways the 90-year-old non-profit fair gives back
The Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair announces Seniors/Veterans Day on Wednesday, March 5 and Harry Chapin Food Bank Night on Monday, March 3 to further its commitment to giving back to the community it has served for 90 years.
All seniors and veterans are invited to attend a very special day of appreciation on Wednesday, March 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. A lineup of entertainment includes live music from the Hat Boys Band and performances by the popular Calendar Girls of Florida. A host of health screenings will be offered, with information booths provided by Lee Memorial Health Services, Snead Eye Care, insurers such as Florida Blue Care and the Veterans’ Administration. Seniors and veterans will enjoy discounted admission of only $5. A printable brochure is available at swflcfair.com, which includes a $2 coupon valid for this special night, to bring the admission price for our seniors and vets to just $3.
Harry Chapin Food Bank Night is Monday, March 3. Gates open at 5 p.m., and with a donation of three canned goods per person, admission is free. Regular admission applies without a donation, with all proceeds from gates sales on that night going to this charity, which supplies food pantries all across Southwest Florida. More than $5,000 and 7,500 pounds of canned food was donated in 2013 as a result of this Monday promotion.
This year, the fair is also partnering with Sheriff Mike Scott to distribute more than 36,000 passes to our public elementary age children. The Junior Deputy Fair Pass will be delivered to all public elementary schools to allow children ages five to 11 entry one day of the fair.
The Fair Association itself is recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and re-donates to a number of other non-profits, including the local 4-H clubs, the United Way, Breaking Free, the Rotary and the Araba Shrine units. Lee County Schools are also a beneficiary, and the fair offers scholarships to graduating seniors. In 2013, a collective total of more than $48,000 was donated back to the Community by the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair Association, Inc.
The Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair runs February 27 through March 9, and is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Until February 26, advance tickets are available at a discount online at swflcfair.com/tickets and at authorized outlets across Southwest Florida for the fair that has been “Making memories since 1924.” Tickets purchased in advance are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $8 for adults and $5 for children. Mega passes, good for gate entry and unlimited rides for one visit, are $25, and cannot be purchased after Feb. 26.
About the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair
Held on the grounds of the Lee County Civic Center, located on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers, the Fair is dedicated to promoting agricultural, horticultural, creative arts, and educational opportunities while providing quality entertainment for the citizens of the area. The Fair is recognized as a 501(C)3 non-profit educational organization by the federal government and the State of Florida. The Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair Association is chartered under Florida State Statues Chapter 616 as a District Fair serving Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. For more information visit www.swflcfair.com
