JACKSONVILLE — Just like the last seven decades, there will be loads of fun and entertainment at this year's Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair.

The funnel cakes will be hot and fresh. And so will the fried Oreos. Eyes will be drawn to the robotic stilt walking dragons, a bubble factory and racing pigs.

And as the Deggeller Attractions patrons know and love, the company that's been involved with the Clay County Agriculture Fair for the past 40 years will return for those looking for thrilling adventures.

But there is one massive change that CEO Bill Olson said will have a major impact on the event — it's massive property upgrade.

This year, the popular fair will welcome thousands to its brand-new home at 13601 Normandy Blvd. Now situated on more than 82 acres of festival-ready land, the Jacksonville Fairgrounds is set to begin Nov. 5-15.

It's a large step in the event's rich history, Olson said, making way for a greater experience filled with more attractions, bigger exhibits and easier travel for people all over the city.

The 10-day festivities will feature some firsts, like photo-ops with the world's largest rubber duck, the chance to ride one of the largest traveling Ferris wheels in the country and basking in some live tunes at the newly built 10,000-seat amphitheater.

And inside the 40,000 square-foot-Duval Hall, a climate controlled indoor venue, attendees will have the chance to be immersed in several magic and illusion shows.

"You can come inside, sit down, relax and watch a show in the indoor space, which is something new, too," Olson said.

And with the help of the First Coast Expressway, Clay County residents are closer to the festivities than ever before.

"All of our friends on the Westside here, and even in Clay County, which is really close to us now, will hopefully come out and enjoy the fair."

The 15-acre Fair was originally located in the middle of downtown Jacksonville's sports complex. That, he said, created heavy traffic and congestion.

"We were limited in what we could do for the space," he said. "And not only was the fair setup limited, but patrons coming to the fair had issues with parking and traffic."

Not anymore. More than 6,000 parking spaces, and four dedicated entrances to the property will allow for easy and quick access to the fun, Olson said. And less traffic on the way out.

"The hope in when we designed this thing is so that people could come here, get in easily, get parked and then enjoy the fair and head home easily without sitting in traffic."

The location will also bring major opportunities for future growth, Olson added. They've already expanded from last year with more rides and free shows, additional stages and a new partnership with the neighboring Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

The Equestrian Center's fourth-annual Horses and Heroes Rodeo will also take place in conjunction with the fair. The event, featuring bronc and bull riding, team roping, a rodeo clown and barrel racing, will begin at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6-7 at 13611 Normandy Blvd.

Each ticket purchased for the rodeo also comes with a fair entry ticket.  VIP tickets are also available.

"We're really hoping this year that with their fan base that they have and the fan base that we have, that we're going to just double the enjoyment for everybody," said Equestrian Center Executive Director Heather Venter.

Venter said the rodeo is a fundraiser to benefit H.O.R.S.E Therapies, a nonprofit therapeutic riding program focused on building confidence in individuals of all ages with a range of emotional, behavioral, mental and physical disabilities.

The funding raised goes towards taking care of the horses and creating student scholarships.

Agriculture is still central to this year's fair, Olson said.  The entire area by the equestrian center will feature a live milking exhibit, animal encounters, cattle, sheep, goats and chickens. And the Kiwanis Club of Westside Jacksonville will also be doing Old McDonald's Farm, a walkthrough that depicts past farming techniques.

It will be a special experience like no other, Olson said. And a new chapter in the story of one of Jacksonville's most treasured events.

To purchase tickets for the Jacksonville Fair and rodeo, visit jacksonvillefair.com.