STUART – The Martin County Commission voted unanimously Oct. 7 to give the Martin County Fair Association another year at its current fairgrounds, while its members urged fair officials to finally complete the move to a 31-acre parcel on Citrus Boulevard near Indiantown by 2027 and authorized staff to draw up a 40-year performance lease after negotiations with the MCFA.
Before Assistant County Administrator George Stokus could even introduce the agenda item, a group of 4H youth addressed the Commission for the proclamation of 4-H Week and spoke of the fair’s impact on their lives. Martin County 4H Youth Development Agent David Hafner followed them to the podium and lauded the fair as the platform for his young charges.
“The Martin County Fair is where the 4H members’ hard work, dedication and learning come to life,” he said. “Throughout the year, 4H youth and volunteers spend countless hours caring for animals, keeping records, learning about animal and plant science and practicing responsibility. Participating in livestock and horticulture projects also connects our members with the agricultural roots of our community, reminding everyone that farming, animal care and food production does still matter deeply in Martin County.”…