CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — From a business standpoint, the Clay County Fair is a lifestyle for all the vendors involved. Last year was the first time it ever had to be canceled, leaving a feeling unknown for many; having it back again this year is a dream come true.
Since day one, Bobby Jenks has traveled year after year from North Carolina to be a food vendor for the Clay County Fair. He owns multiple food trucks and says he worked two events before the pandemic hit and was thankful to do so.
“It was tough during that time,” Jenks said.
The fair is an attention grabber for locals in northeast Florida. The fair managers tell Action News Jax more than300 businesses and vendors are involved.
“It’s a big impact... on the community because so many people come from out of different counties,” Jenks said.
Starting a business is challenging enough.
Last year was supposed to be 5th and Paisley’s first time participating; as a relatively new business, their boutique spot in Green Cove Springs isn’t open 24/7.
“It’s kind of hard to get people out there when we don’t get face time with people, so we missed out on that,” owner Taylor Goyette said.
Goyette said the pandemic increased the struggle of getting their name out, but after getting a chance to show the hundreds who come out to each day of the fair what they’re all about, they’re hoping for a boost in sales immediately.
“Just being on a website… they don’t know you,” Goyette said. “You’re in a competition with millions of other stores, so when they see you in person and they can support someone local, it really helps.”
The vendors here say the fair gets better and better for them and the community every year.
Cox Media Group
