Miami’s Youth Fair has entered the chat. Take a look at what’s new and fun
By Al Diaz ,
Alie Skowronski and
Madeleine Marr
Bella Rice, center, screams with her sister, Gigi, right, while the Mega Drop during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition.
Alie Skowronski
askowronski@miamiherald.com
It’s backkkkk, so prep yourself for greasy food, wild rides and rambunctious crowds.
And no we’re not talking about Spring Break in South Beach.
The Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, better known as the Youth Fair, is now in its 72nd year, if you want to feel really old.
This year’s theme is “Spaceventure,” so expect the fairgrounds to be decked out in rockets, astronauts and stars (not the celebrity kind). Even the food vendors get in on the fun, with new offerings like the Flying Churrosaucer. And if you’re with the kids, be sure to check out a “cosmically captivating” show such as “Constellations on Ice” or, for “Star Wars” fans, the Stormtrooper dancers.
Check out photos from the opening night:
Kloe Ball-Liivera, 3, high fives Billy Jones playing as Jet the Astornaut during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Jennifer Guillen, center, rides down the slide with Hano Andrade, left, and his sister, Athena, during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Kids ride the Wave Swinger during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Janelle Graham, 7, Khari McIntosh, 5, Kyla McIntosh, 3, left to right, react after receiving beads on the parade route during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Junkanoo Rhythms Band member Ronnie Cash performs on the parade route during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
The Junkanoo Rhythms Band performs on the parade route during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Jewel Evans, center, throws her hands up after winning the Balloon Blast game against Ashanti Evans, left, and Amelia Martin during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Yvette Ramberan, 5, dances with Shimer & Shine during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Shine is on the left played by Michelle Peters and Caleb Labarre on the right. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Mama Jane serves a customer a red velvet funnel cake during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Goats in the petting zoo look at Luke Graytan, from Clearwater, while he gets feed for them during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. The Grattan family moved away from Miami but come back every year for the fair. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Ashley Quintana, 23, milks a cow for her birthday during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
The Tea Cup ride at night fall during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Sno-Cones, Candy Apples and Popcorn booths are illuminated during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
The Brown family screams while riding the Tilt-A-Whirl ride during the Youth Fair opening day on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
A Star Wars Stormtrooper high fives Felix Avila, 3, during a dance performance at the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
The Food Court at nightfall during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Sno-Cones, Candy Apples and Popcorn booths are illuminated during the 2024 Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. The theme of the 72nd edition is “Spaceventure,” held in Miami on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami-Dade Youth County Fair
Where: The Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo Center, 10901 Coral Way, Miami.
When: Through April 7, Fair, except March 18-19 and April 1-2.
More info: Tickets, from $16. Kids 5 and under and seniors 65 and older, free. www.fairexpo.com, 305-223-7060.
This story was originally published March 14, 2024 at 10:50 PM.
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