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Broward Fair Starts Today, Minus the Rides

In a shopping center this year, the 33-year-old fair will keep the exhibits, but lose the midway

By Jessica Sick

| Friday, Nov 20, 2009 | Updated 12:52 PM EDT

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Broward Fair Starts Today, Minus the Rides

Elaine Fitzgerald

At the Broward County Fair this year: Cows? Check. Cotton candy? Not so much.

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Fair Game

The Broward County Fair opens today for its 34th year. However, this year things are going to be looking a little different.

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Fair Game

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Remember when your parents told you they were taking you to Disney World, then took you to the Swap Shop instead, insisting it was just as good?

Or maybe that was just us.

Regardless, the Broward County Fair begins today, and the event will celebrate its 34th year in... a parking lot.

The Pompano Citi Centre, to be exact.

Unlike the Dade-County Youth Fair, Broward's fair has never had permanent digs, relying on the community to offer up space each year, and so, this year the spelling bee will be at the LensCrafters and horticulture at the Loews. Sears, unfortunately, gets the farm animals.

Noticeably missing are, well, everything those who don't have a haiku or a rabbit on display go to a fair for: rides, food booths and games.

"That is a great loss for some, but it will give all fair visitors time to concentrate on what are the most essential and important elements of any and all fairs... the community's agri-business and its students," said Fair Executive Director Ina Nadler. "Agri-business and the students of Broward County will not be forgotten."

Also rest assured that the Baby Beautiful and Miss Broward County Fair contests will also take place.

The fair continues through Sunday, November 29, and it's free.