Alachua County, in partnership with the City of Newberry, is dedicating the arena at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center (23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry) in honor of former Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson. The dedication is on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 5:45 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Face masks are strongly encouraged when social distancing is not possible.
Speakers at the event include Alachua County Commission Chair Marihelen Wheeler, City of Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe, and UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension Director Dr. Cynthia B. Sanders.
“Commissioner Pinkoson was instrumental and a driving force in re-locating the Alachua County Fairgrounds, and in signing the agreements to purchase the Agriculture & Equestrian Center property as his final act as Chair and a Commissioner,” stated Chair Wheeler. “He was known county-wide by citizens for his knowledge and support of agriculture in Alachua County, which is why this dedication is so fitting.”
The Alachua County Commission purchased the Agriculture and Equestrian Center (formally the Canterbury Equestrian Showplace) in August 2019 for $3.9 million. They invested an additional $8.4 million for on-site capital improvements. The Tourist Development Tax funded both the acquisition and renovation costs. The City of Newberry contributed $1 million toward the project.
The Agricultural Center's existing arena is a 150’ x 250’ open-air facility with seating for 2000+. In addition to accommodating the Youth Fair and equestrian events, the arena can host consumer/trade shows, rodeos, festivals, banquets, agricultural events, barrel racing, roping, livestock auctions, pet shows, tractor pulls, and concerts.
For more information, contact Alachua County Assistant County Manager - Chief of Staff Gina Peebles at 352-538-8265 or
gpeebles@alachuacounty.us.