The Suwannee County Fair and Youth Livestock Show and Sale will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a parade, fireworks, and special events throughout the week of March 20 through March 28 at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds and Coliseum, according to the Fair Association.

The Suwannee County Fair Parade is a first-time event to kick off the centennial celebrations on March 20, and fair manager Lynn Touchton said any and all are welcome to participate.

“It’s going to be a good old everyday parade,” said Touchton. “We will also have goodies to hand out that are even better than candy.”

There is no entry fee for parade participants and no float requirements, although there is a contest for best float with a first place prize of $100 and four fair season passes; a $120 value. The parade starts at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 20, and will travel from the front of Suwannee Elementary School, north on US 129, west on 11th Street, through the roundabout, and end at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds and Coliseum at 1302 11th Street SW. The deadline to register for the parade is Wednesday, March 18. Call the fair office at 386-362-3247 (FAIR) or go to www.suwanneecountyfair.org to learn more about registration.

Another new addition for the centennial Suwannee County Fair is not one but two dazzling fireworks shows. The fireworks are set to go off shortly after sundown on the opening and closing day of the fair.

Inside the exhibition buildings there will be plenty of traditional crafts on display, including canned goods, quilts, fine arts, and baked goods. The agricultural complexes will hold livestock shows with steer, heifers, hogs, poultry, rabbits, and goats.

These livestock shows and craft exhibits date back to November 1914 when the fair started, although the Suwannee County Fair is not the oldest in Florida; the Sumter County Fair held in Bushnell dates back to 1853. The fair skipped a year in 1992, which is why it is not 101 years old.

The midway will host 25 rides and attractions; food vendors with fair favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and boiled corn; and a brand new petting zoo with never-before-seen exotic animals at the fair.

On stage every night is a lineup of captivating entertainment, including a talent show competition. If you want to show off your singing, dancing, or other talent, register for the Talent Show by March 20.

Live bands to play at the 2015 Suwannee County Fair include Late Night Session, Herold White Band, Willow Creek Band, and Gateway Big City Band, along with performances by Suwannee Spirit, Twirling by Kary, Dance Shop, Danceology, the Suwannee Elementary School chorus, the Suwannee Middle School band, and students of the Music Center.

Senior Citizens Day is Tuesday, March 24, when seniors can get in for free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and get treated to lunch at noon. Other events include a free Kids Craft Day on Saturday, March 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and the exciting Demolition Derby on Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m.

The fair is open from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, March 20-22; 5 to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 23-24; 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, March 25-27; and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 28. The midway will remain open after the closing of the exhibit buildings depending on the daily schedule.

Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children six to 12 years old; and free for children under six with a parent or guardian. Season tickets for the entire week of the fair are $30.

Entry to rides and certain attractions are purchased separately through tickets or armbands, and prices are dependent on the daily schedule.

Parking is free and is available in front of the Coliseum or behind the fairgrounds off Goldkist Blvd. Parking attendants will direct you to a parking space.

For more information and a complete schedule or to register for the parade, talent show, or other events, please call the fair office at 386-362-3247 (FAIR) or go to www.suwanneecountyfair.org. The Suwannee County Fairgrounds and Coliseum are located at 1302 11th St. SW in Live Oak.