GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Agriculture Fair wants its fans to put down the giant turkey legs, jumbo Teddy bears and deep-fried sticks of butter and grab a pen to nominate this year’s “Greatest Fair Fan.”

The new promotion not only will include special recognition during opening ceremonies, but the zealous fan also will get free access to the Clay County Fairgrounds for all 11 days.

“We actually borrowed that from our trip up to the Erie County Fair in New York,” said Fair Executive Director Tasha Hyder. “They do that contest up there, and I actually met their greatest fair fan, and he just won me over like. I don't think I've ever met anyone that loves fairs as much as this guy.

“So I was like, we have got to bring this to Clay County because as we all know, everybody loves the Clay County Fair.”

To be nominated, fans must go to claycountyfair.org and click the Participate tab to find the Greatest Fair Fan section. From there, fair organizers want to know of candidates who are "passionate and enthusiastic about the Fair but actively promotes and shares their love with family, friends and the community.”

Nominations, which will be accepted until Feb. 1, also must include a short essay along with contact information, photos, posters and collateral materials. Nominations can be submitted through the website.

The winner will be notified by March 1.

“It’s going to be a huge honor,” Hyder said. “They’re going to get a shirt, a pin and bragging honors. The whole red carpet will be rolled out for them.”

This year’s fair will run from March 30 through April 9.