Mike Greenwell

Lee County is excited to host the Southwest Florida Ag Expo, and ready to showcase the youth of Lee County who are committed to their livestock projects.

The Ag Expo will open Feb. 29 and close on March 10 at the Lee County Civic Center Complex on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. It celebrates the work and accomplishments of Southwest Florida youth active in 4-H, FFA, and Pee Wees of Southwest Florida and more while offering fun, food, rides for the entire community.

More than 370 animals will be shown at the Ag Expo, including poultry, rabbits, cattle, horses and goats to name a few. The youth exhibitors have been working all year to take care of their animals to get them ready to show. This is a long project for these young exhibitors, requiring many hours of their time, and we are proud of their dedication.

I invite you to come support the youth exhibitors and see their animals during the Livestock Show. You can spend time in the Steer Barn, Small Animal Barn, Show Ring, Horse Arena or Swine Barn. It doesn’t get any more All American than this. Some of my best memories are from events here.

Another venue at the Ag Expo that showcases our young people is Creative Living. This contest features 10 divisions for crafts, culinary and horticulture exhibits. Participation is open to all ages of residents of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. Stop by and see what they’ve created.

Our vendor, Reithoffer Shows, knows how to make it fun. Enjoy the live entertainment, games, rides and the food you love. It will be a great time for the whole family.

We’ve even got you covered when it comes to parking, as the Board of County Commissioners has invested in improving your experience at the Lee County Civic Center Complex with a resurfacing project for the parking lot and perimeter.

Lee County has made a new website so you can load up on information before you head to the Ag Expo. We also have a Facebook page dedicated to sharing all the offerings. You can even buy tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in lines. Don’t forget to take advantage of the online sales of the MEGAPASS in advance for $25. It includes gate admission and wristband for unlimited mechanical rides on one day of your choice. (Sale ends Feb. 29.) We have some exciting promotional nights and themes, including Moonlight Madness on each of the Ag Expo’s Saturday nights.

Visit www.swflagexpo.com or visit Facebook for SWFL Ag Expo at facebook.com/swflagexpo today. Join me in congratulating our young people who will be showcased and come enjoy the Southwest Florida Ag Expo with your friends and family.

Commissioner Mike Greenwell is chairman of the Lee Board of County Commissioners. He represents District 5.