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RSW Living Magazine

The Expo is Extraordinary!

Feb 03, 2025 08:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan

Get ready! It’s time for the Southwest Florida Ag Expo from February 27 through March 9, 2025, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex in North Fort Myers. It’s the event that used to be known as the Lee County Fair, which started over 100 years ago! It’s the same event in almost every way, except for the name change. 

Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell stated that the annual event “celebrates the work and accomplishments of Southwest Florida youth active in 4-H, FFA, and Pee Wees of Southwest Florida and more while offering fun, food, and rides for the entire community.” 

What you will hear are the delightful squeals of children on carnival rides, the rumble of live music in the background and shrills of carnival game wins.  You will see animal exhibits, like poultry, rabbits, cattle, horses, goats, and more. SW Florida’s proud youth, the next generation of farmers and agriculturalists, will show them off. You will witness the spin of cotton candy machines, the tantalizing smells of sizzling cheeseburgers on the open grills and taste the sweetness of deep-fried Oreos.  

In addition, you can check out crafts, livestock shows and sales, steer, swine, and horse exhibits, as well as a petting zoo—a favorite for the kiddos.  Creative Living events include quilting, knitting, and crafts contest exhibits with 10 divisions. Don’t forget to spend time in the Steer Barn, Small Animal Barn, Show Ring, Horse Arena, or Swine Barn. There’s also a full line of musical entertainment and special promotional events, such as Moonlight Madness on Friday, March 7. Gates open at 4 pm. 4-8 pm is Regular Gate Admission.  

Moonlight Madness is from 8 pm to midnight: $30 admission (includes a wristband for rides. One day only. Mechanical rides only). 

With all this, it’s great fun for the whole family and your friends—and there’s good reason has been an annual tradition for many! 

Tickets: MEGAPASS (Includes Gate Admission) $30.00. Includes gate admission and all-you-can-ride mechanical rides on any ONE day of the Expo. This ticket is only available for purchase online before the gates open on February 27. General Gate Admission Adult $10. Children (4-11): $.  Children Under 3 – FREE.  Ride Wristband is $40 and only available at the gate. General gate admission passes are valid for one day only and advance tickets for general gate admission can be purchased at Tickets. Active and retired military personnel can enjoy free gate admission all day, every day, with proper military ID. Free parking. Overflow parking will be utilized. 

Plan Your Visit: Southwest Florida Ag Expo, February 27 through March 9, 2025, Lee County Civic Center Complex, 11831 Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, SW Florida Ag Expo. Or on Facebook

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.