GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Jeremy Lanier noticed 20 years ago there weren’t any flat-track motorcycle dirt races on any schedule. Along with his wife, Stephanie and Ray Delacqueseaux, they started a grassroots organization to change that. 

The Southern Dirt Track Association was born in 2009, and it has blossomed into a series that attracts as many as 80 entries at each race. 

Nearly five years ago, Lanier turned his attention to joining the Clay County Agricultural Fair lineup. After pushing and waiting, SDTA will be a featured event on Saturday, April 11, at 6 p.m. inside the Cattlemen’s Arena. 

“We’ve been trying to knock on the door for four years running,” Lanier said. “There’s so much going on at the fair, so we had to be patient. Twenty years ago, flat-track racing was dead. Now it’s back. We’ve wanted to be at the Clay County Fair for years, and now we’re there. We’re very family-oriented, so we’re happy to be part of the Fair.” 

Lanier said he’s already received more than 60 entries, which will compete in classes defined by motorcycle engine size and age. In addition to 125cc- and 250cc-sized motorcycles, Lanier said the Clay feature will include smaller cycles for riders as young as 4, as well as vintage cycles and three- and four-wheeled ATVs. 

The races are included in the price of Fair admission. The motorcycle races, as the lawnmower races on April 12, replaced the Monster Truck competitions. The truck shows were moved to stand-alone weekends as part of the newly created Clay Events schedule. 

SDTA operates out of the Marion County Speedway, and it hosts events in Central and North Florida, as well as South Georgia. 

TYING THE KNOT: Clay County Agricultural Fair Executive Director Tasha Hyder thought she’d get four or five responses when she decided to offer a wedding at the Early Florida Village. 

As of Tuesday, March 31 – two days before the Fair opened – she already had heard back from more than 300 people, and her Facebook post had 550 likes and 300 comments. 

The Fair will selecta couple who will be married at the church in Early Florida Village on the final day of the Fair, April 12. 

Clay County Clerk of Courts Tara Green will officiate the ceremony. The winning couple will receive flowers from Green Cove Springs Divine Florist, a cake from Sweet Sensations, photos by The Social Bee, a $500 gift card from Shipley’s Fine Jewelry and $100 to be applied for the cost of a wedding certificate. 

MARK THE DATE: Some of the family-favorite events that don’t include the livestock barns or the Midway are included in the busy 11-day schedule. Like: 

• Heroes of the Day are recognized in Early Florida Village each day at 4 p.m. The awards highlight service provided by first responders. 

• A Rubix Cube contest will be on Friday, April 3, at 1 p.m. inside Exhibition Building One. 

• Fireworks will fill the skies above the Clay County Fairground on Friday, April 3, at 10 p.m. 

• A deviled egg contest will be on Sunday, April 5, at 5 p.m. Bring your best recipe – and your own eggs – to see how they stack up against others. 

• Also, at 5 p.m. on April 5 will be the mullet matchup in Ag Town. 

• The Ultimate 80s Skate Party will be on April 8 from 3-8 p.m. It’s free with admission, and in addition to skating, fairgoers can take a break and watch “Land Before Time” at 2:30 p.m., “Goonies” at 4:30 p.m. and “The Breakfast Club” at 7 p.m. 

• The demolition derby will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9. The VIP section is already sold out, and grandstand tickets are going quickly. To reserve a spot, visit claycountyfair.org. 

• At 6:30 p.m. on April 9 there is the beard and mustache competition at Ag Town. 

• The livestock auction and Clay County Fair Star Search will be on Friday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. 

• A children’s Twinkie-eating contest will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.