2008 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, make
take-home arts and crafts, and watch live demonstrations.

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 be back?
A: Yes, Prior Smith’s popular radio show will be returning to the Fair on February 7-9.
The broadcast is in its 54th year and reaches out to Canadians vacationing in our state.
Listen live in the Florida Center from 7:30 AM to 11 AM.

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. 18 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 Giraffic
Exotic Menagerie, Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show, Doggies of the Wild West, Tagi the Robot, 
and Washboard Willy; just to name a few. There is something here for children of all ages.

Q: Where can people see all the Competition Entries such as quilts, woodworking, and
photography?
A: The Florida Center 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 One.
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: Will Dennis Lee and other previous entertainers be back?
A: Yes, Dennis Lee and other Fair entertainers will be returning. You can find Dennis Lee,
Tammy Ann Winn, Lloyd Mabry, Doggies of the Wild West, Runa Pacha, and more
returning favorites performing daily at the Fair in various locations throughout the Fairgrounds. 

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. 
Some new items expected this year are garlic mashed potatoes on a stick, deep-fried brats,
deep-fried fruits, and steamed clams.  Plus, the new LA PLAZA Hispanic Village will be a hot   
spot to find authentic Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican dishes. Some delectable new foods
you may find there are churrasco on a stick, burritos, empanadas, horchata, flan and  
homemade tropical ice creams in a coconut shell.  

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 free, live entertainment during the Fair?
A: There are numerous stages during the Fair that offer free entertainment all day long.
Some of the locations include:
• The Sweetbay Entertainment Hall will showcase all headline entertainment. These
shows are included with Fair admission, except for the Country Gold Tour concert
which requires a separate concert ticket be purchased to enter.
• TECO Community Stage located in between the giant slide and LA PLAZA Hispanic
Village
• Bacardi Café in between the Florida Center and Charles M. Davis Special Events
Center
• Country and Bluegrass stage in Cracker Country
• Great American Lager Dome located east of the midway and south of the Ford
Amphitheatre
• Bud Light Dome located in the LA PLAZA Hispanic Village and across from the Big Red Barn
• Autoway Nissan of Brandon Family Theater located on the west end of the Mall
• Children’s stage located north of the lake near the Kiddie Kingdom rides area

Q: Will the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair be at the Fair this year?
A: Yes, the skilled craftsmen will be returning to share their talents and handmade objects.
Demonstrations and displays feature stained glass, jewelry, pottery, stoneware, ceramics,
handmade belts, and much more. You can find the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair in the
Charles M. Davis Special Events Center from Sunday through Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM;
Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM (hours may be subject to change).

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. 

To purchase group discounts or call 813-621-7821, ext. 260 for more details.  

Q: When are the Horse Shows at the Fair?
A: The horse shows occur on everyday of the Fair except for Monday, February 11. You can
find all of the horse shows at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center near Gate 4 facing Orient  
Road. There will be more than 12 Horse Shows throughout the Fair plus two new exciting
events: a jousting tournament and blacksmiths national championship and clinic. 
Of course, there will be returning favorites including a miniature horse show, donkey and mule
show, and mounted drill team competition/demonstrations.

Q: When is Irish/Scottish Day, and what happens that day?
A: Irish/Scottish Day takes place on Feb. 14 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 while I’m at the Fair?
A: Anyone who has lost something or someone during their visit is encouraged to go to the
Andy Frain Services Lost Kids Corral located outside the west side of Expo Hall. All
unattended property and lost persons will be safely cared for until they are claimed at this
location only. 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’m 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 moo-ove on over to 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 2008 Fair. Some of the new things include:
• GLITZ! – A Las Vegas Revue
presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
• FCW Wrestling featuring WWE Stars of Tomorrow
• Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator National Finals
• Florida State Roller Derby Championship
• Country Gold Tour 2008
• Kachunga & the Alligator Show presented by FHMA
• Hotel California "A Salute to the Eagles"
• Lucy Angel
• LA PLAZA Hispanic Village
• The Sauce Boss
• Dueling Pianos
• Adam D. Tucker Band
• Jernie Talle
• Jousting Tournament
• Blacksmiths World Championship

Q: How old is the Florida State Fair?
A: The Florida State Fair is officially 104 years old with the start of the 2008 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: Yes, parades begin at 11 AM on Opening Day and all other Fair days at NOON.  Each day, 
the BankAtlantic parade begins near the Ford Amphitheatre and circles its way around the lake. 
The parades are a fun way to showcase marching bands, themed floats, flashy costumes,
clowns, jugglers and special guests.

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 8,10,15,17 or 18 for unlimited rides on those
days only. The armbands are only $20 when bought in advance by the deadline before 
the Fair begins.  On opening day of the Fair after 3 PM, buy an Aquafina Armband for only  
$15 each armband available at a Fair Midway ticket booth.  During Pepsi Armband days, 
the price is $25 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 are close to 90 rides and about 70 games on the Florida State Fair Midway.
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: Will there be Sea Lions at the Fair?
A: The Sea Lion Splash Show is back by popular demand. These rescued sea lions
are natural performers and will be featured in three shows each day for the duration of the
Fair. Watch the sea lions catch and retrieve objects, dance, sing, and interact with guests.
Their trainer, Surfer Joe, will educate visitors on the habits and nature of the sea lions with
a lot of comedy thrown in.  Pick up a daily schedule & map brochure for exact show location.

Q: When are Senior Days?
A: There are three Senior days held on Tues.-Thurs., Feb. 12-14.  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. 14, 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. 6, 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. 8 and Monday, Feb. 18. 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 $6 for
adults, $4 for children ages six to eleven, and children five and younger are admitted free.
Purchasing admission tickets early saves $4 on every adult ticket and $1 on every child's 
ticket for ages six to eleven. 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. 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. 

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
February 8 and Monday February 18, the midway opens at 10 AM. There is no set closing
time, as it varies by day depending on that day’s scheduled activities and attendance.

Q: Will there be a free Weekend Shuttle Bus service this year?
A: No. However, the Fairgrounds now offers more on-site parking for the convenience of our
Fair patrons. During the Fair, several trolleys will routinely pick-up and drop-off patrons
from remote parking lots.  Parking and trolley service is free during the Fair.

Q: Will the Welde Bears be back this year?
A: Yes, Johnny Welde and his grizzly bears will be back again to entertain you with their many
talents and tricks. There will be three shows daily during the Fair and the show is located 
outside of the Florida Center.

Q: Is the Fair Wheelchair Accessible?
A: Yes, there is free wheelchair parking at each entrance gate. 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.

The 104th annual Florida State Fair will take place on February 7-18, 2008.  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.