The 2024 Margate Spring Fling operators want to offer excitement and fun for everyone —without significant problems.
For several years, the fair has been surrounded by controversy, starting in 2021 when a rodeo featured terrified capuchin monkeys chained to dogs who raced at high speeds. In November 2023, the Margate Commission approved a temporary use permit that included a nationally known pig racing act, which raised concern from the public.
Last November, a Dania Beach man allegedly grabbed a child shortly after the victim, and his 13-year-old brother exited the fairgrounds.
In 2022, a Broward County judge issued an injunction barring the carnival operator from using the name of the long-running, nonprofit Broward County Fair. According to the ruling, Operator Halan Bast used the name without the nonprofit fair’s permission.
There were also reports of fights and arrests at the 2022 fair and the March and 2022 Spring Fling, raising concerns about the fair’s future. Additionally, the attendees caused significant disorder at these events.
Commissioner Anthony Caggiano believes there won’t be any problems this year.
“I refuse to allow two or three idiots to ruin a good time. You have problems at Disney World. Adults have to pay $10 to get in, which will keep troublemakers out,” he said.
Commissioner Antonio Arserio believes there will be no problems at the Spring Fling because there will be additional security, and an adult must accompany everyone under 16.
The fair will be held at 1000 State Road 7, Margate, from Friday, March 15, to Sunday, March 31, 2024.
According to Harlan Bast, the CEO of Hildebrand Amusement Rides, which runs the fair, the Spring Fling includes a wide range of rides, including the Cyclone, the Drop Tower, the Music Express, and the Zipper, and a Ferris wheel.
Food choices include corn dogs, ice cream, funnel cakes, cotton candy, fried Oreos, sausage, popcorn, and other fair-style foods. International foods include Mexican, Italian, and Cuban. According to Bast, there will also be various carnival-style games and prizes.
“This is a family-friendly event. We will have more than 30 rides for people of all ages and a lot of good food. It will be reasonably priced, and we want everyone to come and have a good time,” said Bast.
Caggiano believes the fair is good for the community and looks forward to it. “I love the fair. As opposed to the expensive, crowded theme parks in Orlando, this is affordable family entertainment.”
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Dates and times are:
Friday, March 15- Sunday, March 31
Monday – Thursdays – 6 p.m. to Midnight
Fridays – 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturdays – 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sundays – 1 p.m. to Midnight
Visitors can purchase tickets here.
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- David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.
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