STUART, Fla. — The Martin County Fairgrounds has been transformed into a festive, family-friendly event laden with holiday cheer.
During the month of December, the fairgrounds in Stuart is hosting the inaugural "Carnival of Lights."
Children can enjoy a variety of activities and games like making ornaments, writing letters to Santa, a petting zoo and visiting Santa.
Other highlights include holiday lights, carnival rides and games, a live nativity, school and church choirs, food trucks and hot chocolate.
"This is Christmas the way the fair would do it," Martin County Fair Executive Director Jay Spicer said in a written statement. "We wanted to start a community event for people to come and have a great time, spend time with family and share the holiday spirit."
Dates for the "Carnival of Lights" are as followed for the remainder of the month:
- Dec. 9 to 12
- Dec. 16 to 19
Doors are open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the dates above.
The Martin County Fairgrounds is located at 2616 Southeast Dixie Hwy. in Stuart.
Admission is $5. Children 12 and under are free.
"We've had such a long stretch of not much going on, so this is a great time to get out and enjoy the holidays," Spicer said.
Proceeds will benefit fundraising for the Treasure Coast Agriplex project.
The fair is looking to move to a larger space on an empty plot of land near Indiantown in what some say would be the "Disney World of Agriculture."
"It's going to be an economic driver, bringing in people from all over to come and participate with the arena that's proposed," Martin County Farm Bureau President David Hafner said.
The Agriplex would be located on more than 100 acres of space with the vision to build a massive amphitheater, expo center and other venues that could boost the local economy.
There is a current contract with the county, but it's dependent on reaching a $2 million fundraising goal.
"Bringing archery tournaments and equestrian tournaments that could bring as many as 600,000 plus new visitors to Martin County every year," Spicer said.
