What the Southeastern Youth Fair Is
The Southeastern Youth Fair (SEYF) is a non-profit, all-youth agricultural fair for Marion County 4-H and FFA members. Its Steer Show, the foundation of the fair, began in 1941, and the fair in its current form dates to 1978. Organizers describe it as the largest all-youth fair in Florida and the oldest all-youth fair in the country that runs without a midway. The 86th fair ran February 19 to 28, 2026, at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, under the theme "Sew It, Grow It, Show It." The public is welcome, and admission to the 2025 fair was free.
The mission is to recognize local youth through competition and exhibition, provide educational opportunities, build self-esteem and personal growth, and teach the community about agriculture.
Divisions and Ways to Enter
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Market animals | Steers, swine, lambs and goats, shown and then sold at auction |
| Other livestock | Chickens, rabbits, beef heifers, horses and dogs |
| Skills | Tractor driving, livestock judging, plant identification, speech and the Dave Baillie BBQ cookoff |
| Home arts and horticulture | Kitchen show, sewing, photography, tablescaping, garden show, art show, conservation trays, insect collection and club exhibits |
How It Works: The Timeline
- Fall: steer weigh-in and taggingSteers are weighed and tagged at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion months before the fair. For the 2026 fair this took place on September 27, 2025, and processed more than 160 head.
- Early November: non-market entriesThe entry window for the non-market contests and shows ran November 4 to 18 for the 2026 fair.
- Raise and recordYouth raise and care for their market animals and keep detailed records.
- Fair week, FebruaryExhibitors show for ribbons across 46 shows and contests, then sell their market animals at auction.
Who Can Enter
The fair serves Marion County youth who belong to 4-H or FFA. Art competitions for the 2025 fair were open to ages 8 to 18, with a separate division for ages 5 to 7.
The Sales and What Exhibitors Get
Market steers, swine, lambs and goats are sold at auction, and any individual, business, club or group may bid, in person or online. In the previous year Marion County youth sold 478 market animals for about $1.9 million, and more than 95 percent of the money went directly to the youth. Sale proceeds often help exhibitors pay for their education. The Southeastern Youth In Agriculture Foundation also awarded 20 students a total of $37,500 in scholarships.
Scale of the 2026 Fair
- 1,036 exhibitors submitted 3,248 entries in 46 shows and contests.
- Market animals: 163 steers, 286 swine, 77 lambs and 32 goats.
- The 2026 honoree was Craig Carpenter, a longtime SEYF board member and treasurer of the Marion County Cattlemen's Association.
Where
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2228 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470.
Questions
Do I need to be in 4-H or FFA?
Yes. The fair is for Marion County 4-H and FFA members.
Can the public bid on animals?
Yes. Any individual, business, community club or group can bid, in person or online.
Is there a midway?
No. SEYF operates without a midway.
Who do I call?
The fair office: (352) 671-8600. The executive director is Sara LeFils.
Official Links
- 86th Annual Southeastern Youth Fair: dates, location and contact
- It's Southeastern Youth Fair time: 2026 entries, animals and sales
- Moooving right along: steer weigh-in and entry window
- Southeastern Youth Fair sets new records: history and divisions
Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Florida county fairs and junior livestock shows each set their own rules, but most ask for 4-H, FFA or YLPA membership, an ownership date, official identification and a health certificate.
State Fair
The 2027 Florida State Fair runs February 4 to 15 in Tampa, per the state fair FAQ. Beef exhibitors must be active 4-H, YLPA or FFA members and own the animal by the set date, per the 2026 beef rules.
Other shows
The 2026 fair list shows county fairs from October through May. Many 2027 dates were still to be announced.
Health papers
Florida-origin cattle need an inspection certificate dated within 90 days of the show.
Next steps
Get your fair's current rule book early. Deadlines often fall the autumn before the show.
Read the full guide: Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- JFCA Fall Field Day and BQA Training
Field day with Beef Quality Assurance training for junior cattlemen, held in Ocala. Held each year; the most recent date was November 14, 2026.
Ocala, FL | Organizer: Florida Junior Cattlemen's Association Official event details - Ocala Graded Multi-Breed Bull Sale
Seventy-first annual graded bull sale in Ocala for multi-breed cattle producers. Held each year; the most recent sale was October 13, 2026.
- Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The 71st Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair moved to a new fairgrounds with an Agriculture Barn and competitions in agriculture, horticulture and culinary arts. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 5-15, 2026.
13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 | Organizer: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Official event details - North Florida Fair
Tallahassee regional fair where Madison County and other area 4-H members enter crafts and projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were Nov 5-15, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL Official event details - Volusia County Fair and Youth Show
Held each year in DeLand; the most recent dates were November 6-16, 2026, an 11-day run with rides, entertainment, food vendors, exhibits and livestock shows.
DeLand, FL Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.