Manatee County Fair, a tradition since 1916, is now open

For East County's Kinley Albritton, the Manatee County Fair is a lot of things.

It's an opportunity to get outside, to eat fair food and to show off her talents. Albritton is this year's Little Miss Manatee Fair Queen. 

Her favorite part of the fair is the animals. She is preparing to show Ace, a Hampshire/Yorkshire crossbreed pig who is 6 months old and weighs 206 pounds. 

"The Manatee County Fair is such a great community to be around," Albritton said. "All the directors are nice and so welcoming."

Kristyn Landrum, Albritton's mom who was with her on Thursday's opening day of the fair, said it's exciting to watch her daughter work so hard and to showcase what she has accomplished.

Albritton was joined by many other students who were getting ready to show their animals.

Alana Perry, a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High School, showed a Chianina cattle cross named "Tex." Perry said Tex is a good listener.

"It's definitely a family affair and she's still got three more years after this," said Scott Perry, Alana's father. "It is a lot of time and effort on her part and a lot of dedication. I think it teaches (the students) a lot about life."

Collete Testa, a senior FFA member at Lakewood Ranch High School, had the opportunity to show the chapter calf, a 1,663 pound Brangus named Kingston. 

She said Kingston used to be a "little butthead" but they have come a long way as a team since March. She said she was very proud of herself and Kingston. 

"It's such a God-given opportunity and I'm so grateful to be here," Testa said. "I wish more people were involved in agriculture. I think what the fair does is amazing because it allows the public to see what us agriculturists do."