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February 10, 2008
with 75,930 people attended the
Fair. Friday, February 8 had 75,910
people.
Shriner's Day,
3,400 underprivileged children
enjoyed the Fair for free.
On 4-H and FFA days 2,800 students
received free gate admission.
The top rides
for 2008 were the Sky Glider, Super
Slide, Hydro Shock Roller Coaster,
Himalaya and Giant Gondola Wheel. |
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During the
Florida State Fair there are camp
sites for participants. To reserve
your camping space, please contact
the Fairgrounds Camping Office at
813-621-7821 ext. 246.
$40 per night for a 30-amp
campsite or $50 per night for
a 50-amp campsite.
To request a
campsite, please go to the Box
Office located in the Fairgrounds
Administration Building. A
Fairgrounds Box Office staff member
will then assign a campsite number.
Camping fees should be paid for upon
arrival with either cash or credit
card as the only accepted methods
of payment. CLICK
HERE to download the Campground
Rules and Regulations, Reservation
Request & Credit Card Authorization |
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2009 FLORIDA STATE
FAIR Q&A -
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is Ag Venture?
A: Located in the Livestock section of the
Fairgrounds, Ag Venture (Agricultural Adventure) is
a hands-on tour designed to teach visitors about the
importance of agriculture. Visitors can learn about
plants and foods unique to Florida and their
importance to our state by participating in hands-on
activities like making butter, making a plant
necklace, orange juice squeezing, a beef game,
building a meal, gathering eggs, and germ city.
Q: What's in the Big Red Barn?
A: That is where the Florida Fish & Wildlife
Conservation Commission has its exhibit. The Big Red
Barn is located south of the Steam Engine Exhibit
just outside of the entrance to Cracker Country.
Visitors can see numerous wildlife displays and
learn about Florida native and non-native animals.
Visitors may see a live panther, bear, alligator,
crocodile, freshwater fish, and saltwater fish
(these animals are subject to change). Wildlife
experts will be on-site every day of the Fair to
answer questions and talk to fairgoers about these
species and their unique Florida habitats.
Q: Where are the Botanical Gardens?
A: Inside Gate 2, located in between Cracker Country
and the Florida Center. The Botanical Gardens is a
serene, tropical outdoor garden complete with
benches to admire the pond, waterfalls, and unique
flowers and foliage.
Q: Will Canada Calling radio show be at the 2009
Fair?
A: Yes, Prior Smith's popular radio show will be
returning to the 2009 Fair. The broadcast reaches
out to Canadians vacationing in our state. The show
is broadcast live in the Florida Center, presented
by Americraft, from 7:30 to 11 AM or go to the
Canada Calling website at http://www.canadacalling.com/
to see what radio station you can tune into to
listen.
Q: What is the Champion of Champions?
A: It's a youth livestock program that recognizes
and rewards Champion Animals and Champion Youth with
points earned through a variety of educational
events. Champion Animals and Fairs have a long
history with each other and these events have laid
out the groundwork for current livestock
competitions at Fairs around the U.S. Exhibitors
have the opportunity to earn substantial savings
bonds, participate in the final round robin
competition on Monday, Feb. 16 in the Equestrian
Pavilion and serve as one of six Champion Youth
Ambassadors who represent the Fair statewide
year-round.
Q: What children's shows do you have?
A: There are numerous child-friendly activites
throughout the Fairgrounds including animal shows
like Shark Encounter Show, Sea Lion Splash Show,
Welde's Big Bear Show, Hollywood Racing Pigs,
Kachunga the Alligator Show, Giraffic Exotic
Menagerie, Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show, Doggies of the
Wild West, Washboard Willy, and Oscar the Robot;
just to name a few. There is something here for
children of all ages even a Kiddie ride playland.
Q: Where can people see all the Competition Entries
such as quilts, woodworking, and photography?
A: The Florida Center, presented by Americraft, is
where you can find all of the various competition
entries. Over 4,000 Floridians have entered their
best works ranging from paintings, jewelry, knitted
pieces, baked goods, jams, woodworking, and many
more. There is even a horticulture area where guests
can see homegrown flowers, plants, and cacti.
Q: What is Cracker Country?
A: Mildred W. & Doyle E. Carlton Jr. Cracker Country
is a Florida folk life museum located next to Gate
2. Visitors can experience what life was like how
over 100 years ago in rural Florida. The buildings
located in Cracker Country date back to this earlier
life and even workers in Cracker Country are dressed
like how their ancestors dressed long ago. Come see
the lifestyles, customs and traditions from a
simpler Florida and experience these times for
yourself.
Q: Will the Circus be at this year's Fair?
A: Circus Hollywood, one of the most respected names
in circus entertainment, returns again this year.
The popular circus troupe from Bradenton, Florida
will amaze fairgoers with their death-defying
performances from world-renowned daredevils,
aerialists, acrobats and animal trainers. Besides
the amazing circus acts, Circus Hollywood also
brings with them Giraffic Exotic Menagerie and
Hollywood Racing Pigs. Giraffic Exotic Menagerie is
the only traveling safari in North America that
features over 50 rare and exotic animals from all
over the world. Hollywood Racing Pigs is where you
can see the cutest pigs of all shapes and sizes try
to be crowned the fastest pig at the Fair.
Q: Are Credit Cards accepted at the Fair?
A: The Fair Authority accepts Visa, MasterCard, and
American Express at each gate for admission; at the
Midway Courtesy Booth; and at the Concert Box Office
at Gate 1. There are also a number of independent
vendors and exhibitors who will accept credit cards
for purchases. Most food vendors accept cash only so
plan to bring a some extra cash to enjoy as much as
possible.
Q: Where can you pick up a Daily Schedule and Map?
A: Once inside the Fair, please make sure to pick up
a daily schedule and map brochure at a Guest
Relations booth conveniently located nearby each
entrance gate and throughout the Fair in white
gazebos. This is the best way to plan your Fair day
and locate all the activities there are to see and
do at the Florida State Fair. Our guest relations
staff is there to assist you with any questions you
may have so that your Fair experience is a pleasant
one.
Q: Are there Educational things to do at the Fair?
A: There is an endless amount of educational
attractions at the Fair fit for all ages.
Educational attractions include Cracker Country, Ag
Venture, Florida Forest Discovery Center, Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Mooternity Ward, Ag
Hall of Fame, and many more. Each attraction teaches
visitors an array of information from how to prevent
fires to how milk is made. There are even special
events that demonstrate how horseshoes are made and
fitted for horses. To see these attractions and
more, check the daily schedule brochure for the
dates and times of these educational exhibits and
attractions.
Q: What kind of Fair Foods will there be this year?
A: One of the top reasons people come to the Fair
each year is for the food you can find only at a
Fair. The Fairgrounds will be filled with over 200
different food vendors offering mouth-watering foods
from the traditional funnel cakes and corn dogs to
new ones. NEW FAIR FOODS CONFIRMED so far are:
Chocolate dipped bacon. (Mavric’s Chocolate Barn)
Deep fried green beans- green beans breaded w/
batter. (Griff’s Catering)
Deviled crab on a stick (Pipos Café) – just like the
original, but on a stick, more portable.
Fried pickle (Griff’s Catering)
Ribbon fries on a stick. Fries on an 18” skewer with
choice of toppings: ranch, cheddar, salt & vinegar,
and/or bbq sauce. (K & K Concessions)
Sweet potato fries with maple syrup and powdered
sugar. (O Brien’s Food Service)
Jerk-style sausage. – NEW FLAVOR of sausage (O
Brien’s Food Service)
Very cherry float - made with cherry soda (Rutana
Concessions)
Maryland Grilled Crab Cakes- crab cakes scooped with
an ice cream scoop and made into a patty and grilled
not fried, on a grill like a hamburger. (Bailey’s
Concessions)
Fresh fruit on a stick – SOMETHING HEALTHY, NOT
FRIED! Watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, honey
dew, pineapple, grapes (Wonderland Amusements)
Conchatta (cold pizza) This is new to the fair, but
now new to Alessi who sells this at their bakery in
Tampa (Alessi Concessionaire)
Available On Valentine’s Day only, Feb. 14th - Heart
Shaped funnel cakes. (Paulette’s Food Service)
Plus, the LA PLAZA Hispanic Village will be a hot
spot to find authentic foods from Latin American
countries.
Q: What is the Florida Forest Discovery Center?
A: It's a permanent exhibit area that celebrates
Florida's valuable natural resource - our forests.
Located next to the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall and
the Steam Engine Exhibit, it's where guests can meet
Smokey the Bear, see chainsaw carving
demonstrations, and view educational displays to
learn about the ecological and economic value of
Florida's forests.
Q: What stages will be featuring live entertainment
during the Fair?
A: There are numerous stages during the Fair that
offer free entertainment all day long. The Sweetbay
Entertainment Hall and the Ford Amphitheatre will be
showcasing the headline entertainment. Some of the
outdoor stage locations include the Family Theater,
Children's Stage and Community Stage presented by
BankAtlantic , LA PLAZA Hispanic Village
entertainment stage presented by Winn Dixie, the
Country and Bluegrass stage in Cracker Country,
Bacardi Cafe stage, and the acoustically pleasing
Bud Light Dome and Budweiser Great American Lager
Dome.
Q: Will the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair be at the
Fair this year?
A: No, this will not be returning to the 2009 Fair.
A few craft vendors will have exhibitor booths in
the Expo Hall so stop by there to check out this
year's vendors.
Q: Are there any Group Discounts for Fair admission
tickets this year?
A: YES, groups of 20 or more receive special group
discounts. Group rates are sold in packages of 20,
50, 100, 250, and 500 tickets. Complimentary tickets
are included with each group sales package. All
group discounts must be purchased before the fair
starts. Call 813-621-7821 for more details.
Q: When are the Horse Shows at the Fair?
A: Equestrian events occur on every day of the Fair.
You can find all of the horse shows at the Bob
Thomas Equestrian Center near Gate 4 facing Orient
Road. Check the daily schedule for a listing of
equestrian events taking place each day and
corresponding times.
Q: When is Irish/Scottish Day, and what happens that
day?
A: Irish/Scottish Day takes place on Fri., Feb. 13
in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. On
that day, visitors will hear Irish music and songs;
see Highland Dancing; Irish Step Dancers; and the
Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums Bagpipe Band.
Q: Where can I find help if there is a Lost person
in my group while I am at the Fair?
A: Anyone who has lost something or someone during
their visit is encouraged to go to the Lost Kids
Corral located outside the west side of Expo Hall.
All lost items or persons will be safely cared for
until they are claimed that day. At the end of each
day, any unclaimed lost items will be transferred to
the Sheriff's command post located at the First Aid
station on the northeast end of the grounds.
Officials recommend you pick a meeting place when
you arrive at the Fair in case you and your party
get separated. Consider a meeting point such as the
Giant Slide because it is tall, brightly colored,
and easy to find. Please be aware that guests are
not paged over the public address system if they are
lost.
Q: What if I have Medication that needs to be
refrigerated while I am at the Fair?
A: Guests can bring their prescription medication
with them to the Fair. If it needs to be
refrigerated, they may bring it to any First Aid
station where the medicine will be kept cool while
they enjoy the Fair.
Q: What's Moo-ing at the Fair this year?
A: Guests at the Florida State Fair can visit the
Salute to Ag Tent to check out many cow-related
activities. The tent is located in between the Ag
Hall of Fame Building and the Charles M. Davis
Special Events Center. In the Salute to Ag tent,
visitors can hand-milk a cow, watch cows be
professionally milked, and hopefully see a mother
cow give birth in the Moo-ternity Ward. Visitors are
also given an "I milked a cow" ribbon for
hand-milking a cow and have the chance to see a calf
being born right before their very eyes.
Q: What NEW entertainment, attractions, and
performers will be at the fair this year?
A: There are many new things to see and do at the
2009 Fair. Some of the new things include: BLITZ! -
A Tribute to Half-time Shows, a Salute to
Hospitalized Veterans concert (Feb. 12), two student
days concert performances by Team Blackout (Feb. 6)
and We the Kings (Feb. 16), a live Shark Encounter
show, and much more!
Q: How old is the Florida State Fair?
A: The Florida State Fair is officially 105 years
old with the start of the 2009 Fair. Henry B. Plant
actually started a smaller version of the event on
the grounds of his Tampa Bay Hotel in downtown Tampa
prior to 1900. In 1904, on that same site, T. J.
Laud-Brown captivated the community with his
enthusiasm and revived the concept of the Fair in
conjunction with the first annual Gasparilla
celebration. In 1977, the Fair moved to its current
355-acre site at Interstate 4 and U.S. Highway 301,
but it's still always in Tampa, always in February.
Q: Do you still have Parades every day?
A: No, we have discontinued the parades at the fair.
Q: Do you offer any kind of Parking Lot Assistance
if I get a dead battery?
A: Yes, on-site vehicle assistance is provided by
Stepp's Towing Service. If a guest has locked his or
her keys in the car, has a flat tire, or needs a car
battery jump started; they can contact a security
guard or parking attendant who will notify Stepp's
Towing Service. Fair officials recommend guests take
a moment to familiarize themselves with their
surroundings when they arrive at the Fair, make note
of where they parked their vehicle, and the gate
number they entered through.
Q: Will there be ride-all-you-can-ride Pepsi
Armbands available this year?
A: Yes. Pepsi Armband days are February 6, 8, 13, 15
and 16 for unlimited rides on those days only. The
armbands are only $25 when bought in advance by the
deadline before the Fair begins. On opening day of
the Fair after 3 PM, buy a Pepsi Armband for only
$20 per armband only available on this day for
purchase at a Fair Midway ticket booth. During Pepsi
Armband days, the price is $30 each armband. A gate
admission ticket is required to enter the Fair
before you can use any armband. All rides require
multiple ride tickets be purchased or use an armband
to enjoy the ride. Pepsi Armbands are good for a
one-time use only that day. To come back on another
armband day will require an additional armband
purchase for each Armband day. A few rides may not
accept the Pepsi Armband and will require ride
tickets be purchased to enjoy the ride. Some height,
health or other restrictions may apply.
Q: Are Pets allowed at the Fair?
A: No, all pets should be left at home including
small dogs that can be carried in shoulder bags.
With the exception of service animals or dogs that
are part of the Fair entertainment, animals are not
permitted on the fairgrounds. Under no circumstances
should a pet be left in a parked car.
Q: Will there be rides for teenagers and for small
children?
A: Yes, there is a total of 90 rides including 10
NEW ONES to the Florida State Fair Midway. One of
the new exciting rides is a Vertical Swing by
Zamperla that stand 98 feet tall and swings riders
in a circular motion. The Fair's midway is nearly
3/4 of a mile long and is one of the largest
independent midways in the Southeast U.S. Along the
midway you can find thrilling coaster rides, games,
water rides, food, worlds of wonder, and the
adrenaline-pumping thrill zone. There are fun houses
and contests of skill and chance as well as Kiddie
Kingdom, an area devoted to rides for younger
children. Some age, height, health and other
restrictions may apply for rides.
Q: What happens in the Salute to Ag Tent?
A: The Salute to Ag Tent is where guests can watch
baby calves being bottle-fed, corn getting ground
for feed, or hold a baby chick. All this and more
will take place in the Salute to Agriculture tent,
located adjacent to the Ag Hall of Fame building.
Q: When are Senior Days?
A: There are three Senior days held on Tues.-Thurs.,
Feb. 10-12 Seniors ages 55 and better pay $6 gate
admission per person on those three days -- a
savings of $4 off the regular admission price. When
visiting on Feb. 11 be sure to purchase a concert
ticket to enjoy the popular Country Gold Tour in the
Sweetbay Entertainment Hall.
Q: Will there be a place to buy Fair Souvenirs?
A: Yes, souvenirs are located in various areas on
the Fairgrounds as indicated on the Fair map. There
is Cracker Country's J.R. Terry Store, where
fairgoers will find plenty of distinctive, old-time
keepsakes at affordable prices. In the Charlie Lykes
Arena, there is a booth where you can purchase a
variety of Fair merchandise to remember your Fair
experience.
Q: Can I get my Fair tickets at Publix this year?
A: No, Publix will not be selling advance tickets
this year. Stop by a participating Sweetbay
Supermarket store, from Jan. 2 through Feb. 4, to
purchase advance discount admission tickets.
Q: What happens at the Steam Engine Exhibit?
A: Engineers at the steam engine exhibit share with
visitors the history of the dozens of refurbished
steam engines and their places of origin. Visitors
can also see these steam engines in action and even
get a chance to blow one of their whistles. This
exhibit is located south of the Florida Forest
Discovery Center and north of the Big Red Barn.
Q: When are the Student Days?
A: Student Days at the Fair are Friday, Feb. 6 and
Monday, Feb. 16. On these days, admission is reduced
to $6 for ages 12 to 12th grade and $5 admission for
students between the ages of 6-11.
Q: Where can I get Fair Tickets and how much are
they?
A: Sweetbay Supermarkets will be selling discounted
Fair admission tickets (not concert or ride tickets)
throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando,
Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, Desoto, and
Highlands counties. Advance discount gate admission
tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages six
to eleven, and children five and younger are
admitted free. Purchasing admission tickets early
can save visitors up to 33% off every adult ticket.
Admission tickets are sold without a service charge
at Sweetbay Supermarket customer service counters.
Purchasing tickets in advance also keeps guests from
having to wait in line to buy them when they arrive
at the Fair. Please note that Sweetbay Supermarkets
in participating counties will only sell fair gate
admission tickets (while supplies last) and no other
discount offers.
Tickets for the Fair can also be purchased in person
at the Fair Box Office through the day before the
fair on Feb. 4, 2009. To purchase advance discount
tickets in person at the Fair Box Office, enter via
the Orient Road entrance. The Fair Box Office is
open on Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Please call 813-621-7821 to inquire about office
hours on the last day of purchase, Feb. 4, 2009.
Q: What time does the Fair open and close each day?
A: The gates open daily at 9 AM and the midway opens
at 11 AM on Monday through Friday. On Saturday and
Sunday, the midway opens at 10 AM. On Student Days,
Friday Feb. 6 and Monday Feb. 16, the midway opens
at 10 AM. There is no set closing time, as it varies
by day depending on that day's weather and
attendance.
Q: Will there be a free Parking and Trolley service
this year?
A: Yes, the Fairgrounds now offers more on-site
parking for the convenience of our Fair patrons. In
addition the fair offers several trolleys that will
routinely pick-up and drop-off patrons from remote
parking lots. Parking and trolley service is free
during the Fair.
Q: Is the Fair Wheelchair Accessible?
A: Yes, wheelchairs, strollers and mobility scooters
are available for rent at each entrance gate while
supplies last. Please call 813-621-7821 for rental
prices available; these items are available for
rental only during the Florida State Fair and not
necessarily year-round at other events. Wheelchair
accessible restrooms are located throughout the
Fairgrounds, and there are companion bathrooms in
the Expo Hall, Charles M. Davis Special Events and
the Florida Center, presented by Americraft. The
Florida State Fairgrounds is fully compliant with
all ADA regulations.
Q: Will the Fair again have the Florida Lottery
Writing and Illustration Contest this year?
A: Yes, this popular contest sponsored in part by
the Florida Lottery and WEDU will be available for
elementary school children to submit their stories
about the 2009 Fair theme, Touchdown Tampa Bay. The
deadline to enter is January 23, 2009. Call the WEDU
marketing department at (813) 254-9338 ext. 2244 for
an entry form and rules.
The Fairgrounds is located just seven miles east of
downtown Tampa, with easy access via I-75, I-4, U.S.
Highway 301, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, and
Orient Road. For more information, call toll-free
(800) 345-FAIR or (813) 621-7821, visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/
or http://myspace.com/floridastatefair.
Fair Reminders: All advance discount offers are only
on sale through Feb. 4. Regular gate prices apply
once the Fair starts. Gate admission is not included
with purchase of armbands, ride tickets, or concert
tickets. There will be no refunds, exchanges or
rainchecks. All acts, concerts, scheduled times,
exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are
subject to change and/or cancel without notice. NO
RE-ENTRY; once visitors exit the gates another
admission ticket will be required to re-enter the
Fair. The Florida State Fair Authority is not
responsible for any third party advertisement.
The Florida State Fair, always in Tampa and always
in February, is organized by the Florida State Fair
Authority under the leadership of Florida Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture
Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair
Authority, which oversees the Florida State
Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.
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