The Southeastern Youth Fair is pleased to announce the 83rd annual Fair which will be held from Thursday, February 23rd to Saturday, March 4th at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, Florida. We have approximately 150 market steers, 250 market swine, 70 market lambs, and 50 market goats which will be sold throughout the week.
The Southeastern Youth Fair is the oldest all-youth Fair in the country that continues to operate without a midway. We are also the largest all-youth Fair event in the state of Florida. Our Steer Show, the foundation of our Fair, began in 1941. The Youth Fair, as we know it today, officially began in 1978.
1978 was also the start of our Beef Heifer, Dog Obedience, Dairy & Meat Goat, Garden, Home Arts, Horse, Kitchen, Poultry, Rabbit, and Swine Show, our largest animal show. In 2004 we showcased our first Dog Agility Show.
The SEYF operates with only one paid employee and over 200 volunteers, whose time is valued at over $50,000, and provides almost 4,000 hours each year. The Fair continues its growth and success every year because of the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, and the generous donations of local businesses and individuals in our community.
The SEYF is guided in operation by their guiding principles which include:
- a focus on maintaining a production show
- fostering a unique experience for a child to act as a producer, to market their animal from beginning to end
- protecting that project as best we can; for the buyer’s sake with a high-quality product, for the child’s sake in protecting their initial investment, and with a goal for the highest possible return for the child
- creating educational experiences for Marion County youth
The mission of the Southeastern Youth Fair is to recognize the outstanding youth of Marion County through the Southeastern Youth Fair as a showcase for competition, exhibition, enhanced educational opportunities, and the promotion of self-esteem, and personal growth and development while aiding in the education of the Citizens of Marion County regarding the importance of agriculture and related industries in our area.
The SEYF is a free event, open to the public. Any business or organization is encouraged to attend and to participate in our market animal sales! It is a great way to support our youth and all of their hard work. Only one registration is necessary for all auctions. All animals are sold to the highest bidder. Online bidding is also now available and information will be posted on our website on how to register the week prior to the Fair.
Pictured is Samantha Farmer and her animal Diesel, she is one of hundreds showing their animal’s at the Southeastern Youth Fair. See more information on page two top right. Photo by C Kay Johnson / CKJphotos13
