The Martin County Fair Association will relocate the fairground from Stuart 20 miles to the west near Indiantown in 2028.
PROVIDED BY MARTIN COUTNY FAIR A
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
After years of planning and discussion, the Martin County Fair Association has finally started down the path to building its new home, which will be located in the western portion of the county.
The Martin County Fair & Youth Livestock Show, which dates back 68 years, has entered a new exciting chapter – the development of a 30-acre fairgrounds near Indiantown, which will not play host until February 2028. The fair has been located in Stuart for decades.
The Fair Association held a ceremonial groundbreaking with local dignitaries from Martin County and Indiantown on Sept. 22 at the site of the new fairgrounds, 19100 Southwest Citrus Blvd.
Florida fair says goodbye to Stuart
Fair organizers are paying homage to the current location at 2616 Southeast Dixie Highway by calling the 2027 event “Fairwell to Dixie,” which will be from Feb 12-21. Martin County commissioners on Dec. 2 approved a lease with the Martin County Fair Association for the new location.
Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows board President Eddie Cora reminded the public that the fairgrounds is more than just an event center or a livestock show, but a home for the community, where children can learn and grow and community members can find shelter after a fire, hurricane or other natural disaster.
“The fair is the heartbeat of a community,” Cora said. “It’s where the community can come together as one. … It’s a place where the future finds its spark. I couldn’t be more proud of you. The Federation could not be more proud of you. … I applaud you for finding a new home for your community.”
Martin County residents commit to annual fair
Workers are clearing and prepping the land for construction, which project manager Dennis Ciaglo expects to start in January and be completed in seven months, he told TCPalm. The new fairgrounds will feature two 10,000-square-foot exhibit halls, 2,500-square-foot museum and 2,500 square feet of office space, Ciaglo said. The new exhibit space will also include space to house the Martin County Model Railroaders and the group’s 10,000 square feet of track and hundreds of engines and boxcars.
Much of the money for the move is coming from three grants from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services totaling $1.7 million.
Several local business owners took the opportunity on Sept. 22 to pledge their financial support to the fair. Tom Kenny, on behalf of Garcia Companies, donated $50,000 and residents Jameson Brownie, Ernest “JR” Dempsey Jr., Stephen Leighton and Scott Watson each gave $1,000.
“It’s truly a beautiful day,” Martin County Fair Association President Susan Gibbs Thomas said. “It’s a long time coming.”
Tim O’Hara is TCPalm’s Martin County watchdog, environment and fisheries reporter. Contact him at tim.ohara@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida fair officials start construction on new home in Martin County
Reporting by Timothy O’Hara, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 22, 2026 at 8:23 PM.