COLD SNAP

  In 1959 the newly formed Fair Board decided that we needed a county fair that was, each year,  the first one in the nation. Don't know why, but it had to be the first. January. 1960. And, being in the sub-tropics, that should be possible with our no-winter weather. So it was held at the old Fair Grounds on Radio Road, next to the old Swamp Buggy track and Stock Car oval. 

 Many Deputies and NPD cops worked the fair, some on duty, most off. And most of us spent our time huddled around  55 gallon drums that had been converted to emergency burning barrels to keep us warm. Why, in sunny south Florida?

 Because you could bet your frozen hind quarters that a cold snap would come during the fair. And I mean a cold snap. No reason for it but predictable as skeeters in the rainy season.

 The weeks before the fair could be sunny, beach weather--even for Crackers. (Yankee's will swim with penguins) After the fair, more weather like we were used to. But during. . .

 It went on like that for years--with icicles forming on the children whirling on the rides in the frigid wind. Then, some other county decided they wanted to be the first--and coldest--each year and scheduled theirs a week before ours. That was a good excuse for the board to give up on the first thing and move the fair to February. Should be fine. Warm weather and still plenty of snow birds around to buy tickets. 
 Right. The fair is still in February and you can count on dragging out your long woolies during that week. Never fails. The cold snap follows our fair around like Obama dogs a loose dollar in your wallet.
 Someone once suggested that they give up the whole winter thing and move it to June, or so, like most normal fairs. The idea was shot down. The Fair Board was afraid the attendant cold snap would kill all the crops.