Florida Agriculture and Wildlife Expo held their 2nd event October 28- October 30 in Brooksville.
Last year FAWE held their expo off of US 98 in Brooksville. Seeking a more central location for the event, organizers thought the Brooksville – Tampa Bay Regional Airport would be a good choice. It turns out that attendance did improve this year.
“We have improved attendance and vendors. We also had a small carnival event this year and the shows we were able to do this year, I think helped us with our increase in attendance… of course we are trying to grow each year and not trying to jump in and take everything on and jump in over our head, so we are increasing year by year to try to grow this out right,” Deanna Naugler, President of the Board, said.
The three day event was filled with activities for all ages. The prospect Steer show along with Bill Creel and others entertained the patrons during the Grand Opening.
Saturday and Sunday was filled with shows and other entertainment that included Hay Wagon rides and pony rides as well as favorite carnival rides.
The biggest thing the expo is pushing for next year, is a bigger variety of agriculture and farming education as well as having a rodeo.
“Hopefully we are working on trying to bring a rodeo back here in Hernando County. Again this is where the rodeo was held for several years out here on the airport property,” Naugler said.
As the agricultural and farming portion of the event is becoming more established, the wildlife portion of the expo has been slow to take off. The opening of hunting season is during the months of September and October, which makes it difficult for members of the Fish and Game to attend these events. “We are looking at our dates for next year and moving it around to accommodate more of the hunting and wildlife aspect portion of it (expo),” Naugler said.
For more information and upcoming events in 2017 check out their website at http://www.fawexpo.org/