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together to share information, talk about
issues, and discuss how to keep our
patrons safe. We want to be sure that our
high standards are maintained, and that
we keep best management practices.”
Dan, along with wife Tracy, and three
sons, Sam, 19, Jesse, 17, and Jay, 15, all
participate in getting the grounds ready
for the fair, as well as volunteering during
the event itself.
“My wife and kids all help out,” said Dan.
“Sam will come home on the weekends
from college, and Jesse and Jay will be
here quite a bit after their football season
is over at Palmetto High School.”
Cindy Patterson and her husband moved
to Palmetto from Texas in 1974. She began
working part time with the fair in 1989
because the position gave her summers
off to spend with her three kids. 28 years
later, her kids are grown-up, she has three
grandchildren and one great grandchild,
and they all volunteer at the fair (well, her
great grandchild is only one… but I’m sure
it won’t be long!)
“I love the fair,” said Cindy. “I really enjoy
interacting with the kids and seeing how
excited they are with their arts and crafts,
and showing their livestock. I’ll be here as
long as they’ll have me. They’re going to
have to run me off.”
“It takes a village to put on a successful
10-day fair. We rely a lot on our volunteers
to help each fairgoer have a fun and
exciting experience,”
said Dan. “We also rely
heavily on our Sheriff’s
Depar tment , F i re
Department, and EMS
to help keep everyone
safe.”
“Manatee County is
a great place to live,
and great place to raise
a family. The fair is a
showcase for the best
of Manatee County.
We are ranked in the
top 10% of agricultural
receipts in the state of
Florida. A major goal
for us is to keep our
agricultural heritage
alive, and to educate
our population on how
important agriculture is
to this community.”
The only question both Dan and Cindy
“refused” to answer - what is your favorite
yourself,” they say!
County and the warmth of the community.