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.