Carnival & Fair News

From February 13 to 22, the fair's 82nd edition embraced the theme “The Legacy: Moving Forward by Looking Back.” The Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show's history and commitment to youth agriculture played a central role in this theme, highlighting both the past and the continued importance of supporting young people in agriculture, skill-building, responsibility, and agricultural management.

Held at Osceola Heritage Park, fair admission was $12 at the gate for adults, $5 for military members and seniors over age 60, and $6 for children, with kids under 4 admitted free. A variety of promotions were offered throughout the fair, including $2 opening night admission with $2 rides on opening day, as well as a $38 season pass for repeat visitors. On February 17 from 4 to 8 p.m., Carload Night offered admission and unlimited rides for $70 per vehicle for up to eight passengers. K–12 students also received free admission from noon to 3 p.m. on two separate days during the fair.

According to general manager Joel Rose, the fair was not “just about rides and entertainment. It's about celebrating our agricultural roots and investing in our youth. The fair provides an opportunity for young exhibitors to showcase their projects and receive well-earned recognition.”

Livestock exhibits included goats, chickens, cattle, sheep, rabbits, and swine, with FFA and 4-H youth programs taking center stage. Fairgoers were especially drawn to three baby goats born during the event. In addition to livestock, agricultural displays featured citrus and other crops.



Food remained a highlight, with events ranging from youth and adult chocolate pie eating contests to a baking competition. Popular concessions included fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, giant hot pretzels, and even pickle pizza. Guests 21 and older could also enjoy beverages in the Beer Garden or at the Whiskey Wagon.

Food Fair Sample Day took place on February 18, offering $5 small bites from participating vendors. Options included Bops Kettle Corn, JR Mini Donuts, cotton candy, funnel cakes, sausage vendors, steak tips, boba tea, and frozen treats from the Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory, among others.




The carnival midway provided additional excitement. Strates Shows enhanced Food Fair Sample Day with unlimited ride wristbands for $25 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Throughout the fair, a $40 unlimited ride wristband was available until 5:00 p.m. daily.

The Orlando-based company brought an impressive lineup of rides, including the KMG Fireball, Musik Express, Giant Wheel, Mario Land, and a newly revamped Haunted Mansion.  A new addition this year was the Pinfari Zyklon Coaster.



One of the most unique attractions was a helicopter ride over the fairgrounds. For $20, MaxFlight Helicopter Services gave guests an aerial view of the midway and surrounding area.

On the ground, roving entertainment included the Bubble Man, face painting, and the large Agribot display, a Transformer-style agricultural robot that proved popular for photos. Orlando-based stilt walker Mike Weakley performed in costume while also offering juggling, balloon twisting, and soap bubbles. A caricature artist was also available.

Visitors could participate in the Osceola Whip Crack Contest, watch a peewee goat show, attend the closing day hen auction, enjoy live music from the Duplicity Band, or watch the Demolition Derby. The derby required a separate ticket, priced at $10 for the event alone or $15 for a combined fair and derby admission. The program included a Hoppers Competition, followed by Rookies and Pro Division Stock Compacts, leading up to the main event.

Additional attractions included tractor races, truck and tractor pulls, a cowboy and cowgirl circus, and a sensory magic show designed for younger audiences.

Free entertainment was also a major draw. Popular shows included the Sea Lion Splash traveling sea lion show, Rosaire's Royal Racers featuring racing pigs, and the Pompeyo Family Dog Show, which showcased rescue dogs of all breeds and sizes. Eudora's Petting Zoo provided even more opportunities to interact with animals.

Live music played a significant role in the entertainment lineup, with performances by the Stella Beat Band, Icon Party Band, Blonde Ambition, Kenyon Lockry and the Osceola Boys, Tom Watkins, and the Speed Limit 70 Band. Watkins is a nationally touring performer known for writing songs for country legend Mel Tillis.

The Osceola Idol competition also drew strong participation, while younger children took part in the Osceola Young Hearts Pageant for ages 1 to 4. Additional local talent included performers from Reflections Skating Academy, Shine Your Light Dance Academy, and On Pointe Dance Academy.

Although official attendance numbers have not yet been released, both the carnival and livestock exhibitions drew strong crowds. Despite an early Sunday evening closure due to lightning storms, the fair remains a major attraction and the largest event in Osceola and surrounding counties.