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."