Discover the FUN!

Introducing the 2013 Florida State Fair

“DISCOVER THE FUN” 

Celebrating the 500^th anniversary of the arrival of Juan Ponce De León in Florida, this year’s 109th Annual Florida State Fair invites everyone to “Discover the Fun.”  “Florida: 500 Years In the Making” recognizes the statewide, year-long celebration of Viva Florida 500, a commemoration of Florida's rich heritage and diverse cultural history throughout 2013.  From February 7 – 18, the Florida State Fair deserves a top spot on the calendar as THE go-to destination for fun in February.

The 2013 Florida State Fair will showcase new and unique agricultural and cultural exhibits such as the new “Discovery Center,” a Tampa Bay History Center curated exhibit, and a traveling exhibit celebrating “Florida Agriculture: 500 Years in the Making” hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Get a map at the entrance and explore the “ConquistaTOUR,” a self-guided adventure through the State Fair including the new Florida Cattlemen’s Museum, Florida’s Learning Garden and Cow Hunter’s Camp in Cracker Country. In addition, fairgoers will “Discover Florida” with a Broadway-style musical performance certain to please those who want to learn more about Florida.   Also new this year, is a concert series, including Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas and the Bellamy Brothers, among others.

Fairgoers can also expect the traditional favorites such as thrilling rides, shopping in Expo Hall, arts and crafts, a giant sand sculpture, tropical fish, the “Mooternity Ward,” horse shows, lots of animals and live entertainment. Visitors will also find a variety of extraordinary foods, from the traditional corn dog to chocolate-covered bacon.  This year’s fair provides many new ways to “Discover the Fun”.

The State Fair’s “COWquistador” logo is a tribute to the European’s influence in the Sunshine State, as well as a symbol of the state’s rich agricultural heritage.

“The Florida State Fair is not only a destination where families can find good food and great adventures; it’s also a celebration of Florida’s rich agricultural heritage,” said Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

“The 2013 Florida State Fair offers many cultural and agricultural highlights,” notes Charles Pesano, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair Authority. “We have added remarkable entertainment, fantastic exhibits and new features to this year’s State Fair that we know everyone of all ages will love.”

The Florida State Fair is a sure ticket to “Discover the Fun.” For 12 days in February, the Florida State Fair will captivate visitors with special discount days, guaranteeing an excellent overall value.  

When:    February 7-18

Where:     Florida State Fairgrounds – 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa 33610

Admission Tickets and Ride Armbands: $8 adults or $4 ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are FREE.  Ride armbands  - $25

                     THREE WAYS TO BUY  :

1.  Online until February 6 at www.floridastatefair.com .

2.  At Walgreens stores (beginning January 2).

3.  At Florida State Fairgrounds Box Office (discounts through February 6).

Parking:    FREE

For more information, go to www.floridastatefair.com and Like the State Fair on facebook.com/floridastatefairgrounds.

Miles of Smiles

MILES OF SMILES FOR KIDS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS BROUGHT SMILES TO THOUSANDS

TAMPA, FL - Miles of Smiles for Kids, a carnival of over 25 rides, food, games, and entertainment, took place on the Florida State Fairgrounds Friday, December 14th through Sunday, December 16th.  Volunteers from community-based care organizations, such as Florida Department of Children/Family Services and Eckerd Community Alternatives, along with Wade Shows and the Florida State Fair Authority, gave their time to help give the gift of a holiday carnival.

The event was attended by over 5000 participants over the course of the three days, which included underprivileged children and their chaperones.  Over 300 volunteers gave thousands of hours of time to make corn dogs, cotton candy, operate rides, and take tickets.  Not only did Wade Shows and the volunteers let the participants ride rides and watch the free entertainment, they also enjoyed approximately 10,000 corndogs, 20,000 drinks, 5,000 bags of cotton candy and popcorn, and 3,000 stuffed animals.

Miles of Smiles for Kids is the brainchild of carnival owner and local resident Frank Zaitshik, owner of Wade Shows, the largest family owned carnival in North America. “There are many great organizations that make the Holiday Season brighter for the less fortunate" said Zaitshik.  “I wanted to offer the kids an experience that was produced just for them, doing what we knew how to do best.  I hope the memories will last a lifetime”, he added.

“We are very pleased with the turnout of the event”, said Frank Zaitshek, owner of Wade Shows, Inc.  “I believe all the volunteers and the efforts of the organizations involved gave the children that attended a great holiday gift."

INDIA FESTIVAL BRINGS CRICKET TO THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

The 25th Annual India Festival organizers are introducing the sport of “Cricket”, another Indian tradition, to the celebration at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  For the first time at the India Festival, “Twenty20” matches will be played at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center inside the Gran Prix Ring.

Tampa Bay has over 85 Cricket teams.  Players from those teams have been selected to make two teams to play the matches, a total of 26 players.  Twenty20 games are completed in three hours, and each of the innings lasting from 75-90 minutes.  The matches will be played on a clay surface using a hardball, other than a softball, that is played on a grass field.

Cricket will start at 10:30am on Saturday, and will continue to 2:30 Sunday morning.  Admission to the Cricket matches is included in the India Festival admission.  India Festival admission starts at just $7 and will open on Friday, November 2nd at 6pm and Saturday, November 3rd at 10:30am.

25th Annual India Festival at the Florida State Fairgrounds

Started by Dr. Kiran Patel, the 25th Annual India Festival, is a celebration of Indian culture in the Tampa Bay area.  The festival celebrates customs and traditions with an array of activities, such as a musical extravaganza featuring Bollywood stars, a cultural dance show performed by children and adults, and a wide variety of vendors including food, clothing, decor, and more.  For the first time, it will be a two day event, November 2nd and 3rd, and attract over 15,000 people from the Southeast United States.

The organizers want to welcome the public to attend the event and learn about Indian culture as well as discuss how they will be giving back to the community.  Due to its ongoing success and continued growth of the Indian population in the US, many cities now host their own India Festival.  However none so far surpass the magnitude of the India Festival which has become tradition for Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay and the Indian community.  India Festival has joined with several local agencies in the like Feeding America of Tampa Bay, Wounded Veterans, Under Privileged Kids and the Sheriff Departments of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.

FREE ADMISSION TO CRACKER COUNTRY DURING SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM MAGAZINE DAY

Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton Jr. Cracker Country, a living history museum at the Florida State Fairgrounds, is participating in the most highly anticipated event promoting history, culture, and the arts, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, Saturday, September 29th.  The program developed by the Smithsonian Magazine allows a visitor with a Museum Day Pass and one guest free admissions to the museum. Cracker Country, now in it’s fifth year participating in the program, has added more interactive exhibits for the guest to enjoy.

Experience a late 1800’s interpretation of a Cowhunter’s camp, where guests can hear stories about rural Florida cowhunting, and a demonstration on how to lasso.  Crafting in the time period will also be demonstrated by making fabric dolls.  Guests can design and stuff their own 1800’s style fabric doll to take home.  In addition, the original buildings will be open for the public to explore while listening to live dulcimer music.

“Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is one of Cracker Country’s favorite events to participate in”, said Dan Marshall, Manager of Museum Operations in Cracker Country.  “We are expecting more in attendance with the Department of State’s Viva Florida 500 initiative having an effect on people’s interest in Florida history.”

Cracker Country will be open September 29th for the special event.  For Museum Day admissions visit the Smithsonian Magazine website at smithsonianmag.com/museumday and download a Museum Day Admission Card. This card will admit two guests inside Cracker Country for FREE.
General Pricing is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and children (6-12), children 5 years old and younger will be admitted for FREE.

Cracker Country seeks volunteers!

Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr. Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, is seeking volunteers to help interpret rural Florida history all guests.  Volunteers will learn about 1890’s rural Florida, educate Tampa Bay area kids and adults about the time period, and participate in the 2013 Florida State Fair in February.

“We are very excited to open volunteer recruitment up to the public”, said Dan Marshall, Manager of Museum Operations at Cracker Country.  “This is such a great way to help Tampa Bay area youth and be involved in a fun, educational experience that is both rewarding and memorable.”

Cracker Country volunteers play an essential role in teaching the traditions of rural Florida. Volunteer opportunities include assisting staff with (1) the development and presentation of interpretive and educational programs; (2) the documentation, cataloging, and conservation of museum collections and library; (3) museum store operations; (4) the production of period correct hand-made items; (5) physical maintenance of buildings, exhibits and museum grounds; and (6) the maintenance of the museums living collection including heirloom gardens and heritage livestock breeds; and (7) the maintenance of model trains and animatronics.

Cracker Country was established in 1978 by Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr. so future generations could better understand and appreciate Florida's rural heritage. From the rustic cypress log corn crib to the grand old two-story Carlton house, Cracker Country features thirteen original buildings dating from 1870-1912. These buildings were moved to their present location from throughout the state, then restored and furnished with antiques of the period.

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located in Tampa, Florida.  In addition to holding the annual Florida State Fair, February 7-18, 2013, the Fairgrounds hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year.  The fairgrounds cover over 330 acres, with many different types of buildings. The mission of the Florida State Fair Authority is to create positive entertainment experiences through a commitment to agriculture, education, and community service. 

For more information on Cracker Country events and volunteer opportunities, please contact Jennifer Becker, Programs Supervisor of Cracker Country Living History Museum at

Jennifer.Becker@freshfromflorida.com or 813-627-4225