Miami / Florida / United States
The Miami-Dade county Fair & Exposition is not part of the county but is a privately operated nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors. The fair always occurs in the spring and is one of the largest county fairs in the entire country, attracting more than one million visitors each year. The fair features family entertainment, 100 rides including four roller coasters and plenty of kiddy rides, more than 200 food booths, 50 games and over 50,000 student and adult exhibits and competitions. Local students enter projects and competitions held at the fair each year and experience the thrill of public recognition, sharing with friends and family blue or red ribbon or cash prizes. The fair awards more than $500,000 each year in scholarships, awards and premiums. The fair provides every Miami-Dade County student in both public and private and parochial schools free admission to the fair. The fair is a major supporter of Florida International University and has partnered with the county and university to design and organize shared parking and the development of a Metro Dade bus terminal. In addition, The Fair has contributed $2 million toward the university s new community center, and $1.4 million toward the development of the university s performing arts center.
