Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Discover the FUN!


Introducing the 2013 Florida State Fair
“DISCOVER THE FUN” 

Celebrating the 500th 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."