The Lee County Fair Is Back On Again

There has been much discussion about the future of the popular Lee County Fair recently. And this week has been a bit of a tilt-a-whirl.  An ongoing contract dispute between Lee County Commissioners and the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair Association has lead to a break up. The association canceled the festivities when no agreement was reached. It would have been the fair's 100th anniversary. However, there is another twist in the story and the Lee County Fair is back on again. The county is taking over. There is going to be a fair in 2024 after all.

The move is said to have surprised fair officials who operate as a philanthropy. However, they do pay the county a percentage of revenue from the annual event. Here is a statement released by the fair association announcing the cancellation. Lee County owns the fair grounds on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. They were damaged by Hurricane Ian along with the buildings on the property. Those buildings include the aging Lee County Civic Center. In addition, there has been much debate on the future of those buildings.

Lee County's Parks and Recreation Department will put on the fair with opening dates scheduled for February 24th.  They assured the public in a press conference that they could and would be able to fill the shoes of the fair association. County leaders intend to bring the 100th anniversary festivities to life. The show will go on with all of the things you might expect from livestock competitions to decadent fair food and dizzying rides. In addition, there is always live entertainment. We will have more when the fairs opening day gets closer.

Mother Nature teased us this week with a cool taste of fall. It was enough to get Southwest Floridians excited to be outdoors again. The calendar is full of opportunities to do just that. There are dozens of seasonal festivities this weekend in Southwest Florida including Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples. We've got the top ones listed here to help with your FOMO (fear of missing out.)

More and more Halloween festivities are taking place this weekend. Several include trick or treating for the kids and costume contests. By the way, I spoke to a local pediatrician this week and she has some tips for cutting down on sugar and staying safe while trick or treating. Click here to find out more. On the other side of the coin, there is a local race this weekend to help burn some of that sugar. Finally, there is acomprehensive list of Halloween events in Southwest Florida right  here.

Besides Halloween, Octoberfest has finally at the German American Social Club in Cape Coral. This annual celebration is not only the biggest in Southwest Florida. It is also one of the biggest Octoberfest parties in the entire state of Florida. The World's largest bounce house is also coming to the area and this is not your backyard party variety. This one has obstacle courses, sports zones and more. It looks to be a fun activity for both kids and adults. Scroll down for the details.

One more thing. If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. There are dozens of seasonal festivities this weekend in Southwest Florida and we've got the rundown to help you plan. Here are your Weekend Vibes for  October 20-22.  Get out and have some local fun. Cheers.

It's the biggest party of the year at the German American Social Club in Cape Coral. The club flies in bands from Germany, have a festival queen, tap kegs, and encourage lots of dancing and merriment. Of course they serve lots of great German food. The fun is Friday through Sunday this weekend and next.  More information here. 

The fun inflates Friday and goes through Sunday. It is 16,000 square feet of activity. There is an obstacle course, a sports zone,  and lots more. Sessions are three hours each. Tickets start at $22. It's at JetBlue Park. More information here.

This kids Halloween event is at Vineyards Community Park. Kids get to build their own haunted house using a variety of cookies, candy and frosting. Ages 4-12. Registration required. Friday 5-6:30. More information here.

This is a new event at Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park in Naples. Pick up wristbands to particpate at the park's community center in advance.  Besides candy there will be crafts, prizes, costume contest, music and more. The fun goes from 6-9. $5. More information here.

This happens the third Friday of every month, mostly along First Street in downtown Fort Myers. There is live music almost everywhere, from the galleries and shops, the restaurants and bars. Even on the streets. The party is 6-10

Trick or Treat with the kids at numerous locations in downtown Cape Coral. There will even be a limo bus to  help with transportation accross the parkway. Besides candy and trinkets, you could score some gift cards as well.  like gift cards to awesome local places. Stop by the photo booth too.  Saturday 12-4, More information and tickets here.

Saturday from 7-11 in downtown Cape Coral. Hop on the trolley and visit 11 different restaurants and bars. Each will feature a Halloween themed drink, candy and more. Win great prizes and there is a costume contest. Early check in is 6pm at Big John's Plaza. More info here.

This annual event is at Riverside Park in Bointa Springs Saturday. Bring chairs and blankets to watch the movie “Casper.”  The park is decorated, there are free pumpkins, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, photo booths, food, drink and more.  5:30-9 p.m. Free. More info here.

Run off that Halloween candy at this event. Get themed medals and dress in costumes you can run in . Saturday at North Collier Regional Park in Naples. More information here.

See the latest trends and meet industry specialist for tips and supplies for your home and garden. Charlotte Harbor Events and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Saturday and Sunday 10-4. Free. More information here.