Fairgoers walk by the concession stands during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
SAM NAVARRO
Special for the Miami Herald
It’s back and ready for spring breakers aching for fun: the Miami-Dade Youth Fair, celebrating its 70th anniversary.
A Ferris wheels spins during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
The always-festive event was impacted pretty hard thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the fair was pushed from March to November, and the year before that, canceled altogether.
Fairgoers watch riders spin on the Wave Swings during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
On Thursday evening, people seemed to be making up for lost time.
Crowds meandered through the fairgrounds at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center, noshing on mainstays like funnel cake, corn dogs, elephant ears and fried food galore, including gator, mozzarella sticks and flan (yes).
(Speaking of fair food, which crazy new menu item will you try first at this year’s Miami youth fair? Vote in our poll here.)
Ziggy Viscusi prepares a quarter pound of mozzarella cheese stick during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Lines snaked for such popular rides as the Zipper, the Mega Drop and Ring of Fire.
Fairgoers enjoy one of the rides during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
New on the ground excitement for spectators: a death defying performance by the The Nerveless Nocks Jetpack Flying Water Circus.
Troy Stowe of The Nerveless Nocks Jetpack Flying Water Circus performs during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Jaws dropped as aerial stuntman Troy Stowe glided above the fairgrounds, propelled by a jet pack.
Cartoonist draw pictures during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Other entertainment options live music, clowns and on-site caricature artists who sketch a cartoon image of you while you pose.
Fairgoers enjoy the view from the Sky Ride during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Always a hit with the kids — the Sky Ride for a bird’s eye view, pony rides, pig races and petting zoo.
Fairgoers ride the Crazy Mouse during the opening day of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, March 17, 2022. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Info: The fair is located at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds at Tamiami Park, at SW 112 Avenue and Coral Way. It opens at 4 p.m. daily through April 10, except March 28-29 and April 4-5.
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.
