Norma Kennedy Named 2026 Distinguished Citizen of the Year
The Manatee River Fair Association honors Norma Kennedy with Manatee County’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award during the 72nd Annual VIP Luncheon, held Thursday, January 8 in Veterans Hall at the Manatee County Fairgrounds.
Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award is presented annually by the members of the Manatee River Fair Association in cooperation with the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners. The award recognizes individuals who have “made significant and meritorious contributions to Manatee County in the way of volunteer community service.”
Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident of Manatee County and proud graduate of Manatee High School, Class of 1956, is recognized for her exceptional dedication to the community through numerous affiliations and leadership roles.
Norma has served as a founding director, vice president, and president of the Parrish Arts Council from 2013 – 2019. Additionally, she has held the positions of treasurer, vice president, and president of the Parrish Civic Association from 2014 to the present. Norma’s commitment extends to the Palmetto Historical Commission as a director in 2019, and to the Manatee County Fair Marketing Committee from 2019 to 2025. She has also contributed to the Manatee County Farm City Week from 2019 to 2022.
Norma’s community involvement aslo includes serving as treasurer and vice president of the Parrish Community High School Booster from 2019 to 2023, membership on the Tourist Development Council Advisory Board from 2022 to the present, and participation in the Parrish Historical Society from 2021 to 2022. She is also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Gillette.
Norma Kennedy has received awards that include the Appreciation Award from the Parrish Fire Department and served as Grand Marshal at the Parrish Heritage Day Parade in 2013.
Her contributions to Manatee County are significant. Since 2017, she has been involved in the Parrish Hometown Christmas and is credited as a key advocate for the development of the new Parrish Community Park. Under her leadership in the Parrish Civic Association, thousands of signatures were gathered to urge the school board to name the Parrish High School to reflect the town of Parrish.
Currently, she is establishing a tribute to veterans with a brick memorial at the new Parrish Community Park. She actively applied for grants for the mural project in the Village of Parrish. She contributes to the Parrish Civic Association’s Rural Development Committee to support the growth of the Village of Parrish and is working on the development of the Parrish Community Center.
Above all, family is the heart of Norma’s world, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After the passing of her spouse, she poured her heart into serving Parrish and working to preserve and enrich their community.
One nomination letter received states that this she has “consistently gone above and beyond to make a lasting and positive impact for Parrish and all of Manatee County.”
NOTE: Press Packets, and press credentials for coverage, for local media are available for pick up at the Fair Office, 1303 13th Street West, Palmetto, prior to covering the Fair.
About the 2026 Manatee County Fair
The Manatee County Fair is a wholesome community tradition. Packed with an endless variety of things to see, do and eat, the Fair truly has something for everyone.
Now through January 14, visitors can purchase adult admission tickets for $9 each. Children 5 and under get in free. Admission tickets for children ages 6-12 will be available at the gate during Fair dates. Admission tickets purchased online or in person at the gate during the Fair dates (Jan 15-25) will be $10 each for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Daily Military tickets will be $6 each with Active Status I.D.
The 11-day Fair begins Thursday, January 15 when gates open at 5:00 PM. Opening day = Free gate for all fairgoers! Sponsored by Palmetto Build and Detwiler’s Farm Market. Opening day hours are 5:00 – 10:00 PM. Daily hours are listed on the Fair website. This year Manatee County will be celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.
Each year more than 100,000 people attend the County Fair making it one of Manatee County’s most popular annual events. The 2026 Fair features daily livestock shows with students competing from around Manatee County. There will also be fun activities for families and children of all ages including live milking demonstrations, Cowboy Circus, The Barnyard Cackle Review, Puppy Pals Live, Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show, Petting Zoo, Pirate Man Dan, Turbo Tractor, and more.
New this year will be Battle of the Beats Drumline Competition featuring drumlines from Manatee County middle school and high school bands.
Fans will also enjoy main stage entertainment:
- Veterans Tribute on Thursday, January 15
- The 301 Travelers on Thursday, January 15
- Magic Man TJ Hill on Thursday, January 15, 16, 18 – 25
- Manatee County Baby Pageant on Saturday, January 17
- Eric Von on Saturday, January 17
- Bayside Worship on Sunday, January 18
- Caleb and John on Sunday, January 18
- Open Dance Showcase on Monday, January 19
- Battle of the Beats Drumline Competition on Tuesday, January 20
- Joyful Sound – First Baptist Church of Palmetto on Wednesday, January 21
To learn more about the 2026 Manatee County Fair, visit http://www.ManateeCountyFair.
For more information, please contact:
Danny Alfonso, CEO-Fair Manager
Manatee River Fair Association
Phone: 941-722-1639, ext. 103
Email: Danny@ManateeCountyFair.com
About the Manatee River Fair Association
The Manatee River Fair Association, Inc., a private not-for-profit corporation, will seek to promote the agricultural and economic strengths of Manatee County and to highlight Manatee County’s rich heritage through the sponsorship of the annual Manatee County Fair and other events throughout the year. The Manatee County Fair will provide a variety of competition premium award programs, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, entertainment, and organization displays in a family-friendly environment. The operation of the Manatee County Fairgrounds throughout the year will further support and enhance the Association’s promotion of local agriculture, commerce, and history by providing financial support for the annual Manatee County Fair.