Growing up, my favorite part of the St. Lucie County Fair was shopping in the space provided to local businesses and artisans. jewelry, soaps, woodworking, trinkets. Handmade goods. 
The fairgrounds have 3 air conditioned buildings that do not house local artisans selling their goods any longer. These buildings house club exhibits, school exhibits, and one whole building of politicians and municipalities advertising and trying to win your vote. 
As a native, local, Craft-based business owner, I have approached the Fair about becoming a vendor and was told no commercial vendors are allowed in the buildings any longer. The only option is to pitch a tent outside for 10 days in the elements with the other commercial vendors, most have trailers and travel the country full time. Most are not local businesses. Over the last 4 years I have had quite a few conversations with friends, family, and anyone who will listen and the feelings are very one sided. The community would love to see a building full of local artisans selling their goods. 
I do not know why this was changed years ago and if it is possible to bring it back, but I’m starting this petition to see local support to show the Fair association what the community is asking for. 
Provide an indoor environment for all of these small businesses who support their youth and local community year round a place to sell their goods. 
Jury the vendors if you have to. Build a committee to vote who is allowed space. But give a chance to our OWN local small businesses to bring in revenue from their OWN community at this wonderful event. 
County fairs were built on many things, crafts and local small businesses are one of them.