<P> The Youth Fair's mission is to enrich the community by promoting education and South Florida agriculture . The Miami - Dade County Fair & Exposition is a private organization that does not rely on taxpayer dollars . Since 1952, the organization contributed more than $11 million to the Miami - Dade County community and has had a positive impact on countless lives of children and adults . </P> <P> Ranked as the largest attended fair in Florida and the 27th largest event of its kind throughout North America, it was organized and chartered as a not - for - profit association under Chapter 616 of the Florida Statutes . In addition to producing a first - class public fair for four weeks each spring on an 86 - acre complex, it operates the Expo Center the other 48 weeks of the year to provide exposition space for 70 shows and events . The fair is held by a private 16 - member board of directors . </P> <P> The 2018 Youth Fair dates are March 15 - April 8, excluding Monday and Tuesday, March 19 - 20, and Monday and Tuesday, April 2 - 3, when it will be closed . </P> <P> The Youth Fair admission price at the gate is $14 . Guests who are 5 years and younger, 65 years and older, or retired military personnel with a valid military ID are admitted at no cost on opening day and on Wednesdays . </P>

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