Corn Blog

Tampa Motorcycle Training - Learn from the Best!

2011-04-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Have you been dreaming of the open road? Feeling the wind on your face and the sun against your skin. Is this is your idea of Heaven?

With Tampa Motorcycle Training, their certified trainers will teach you the skills you need to get your motorcycle license in just one weekend.

Training classes will take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds on most weekends.

Check the event calendar at http://floridastatefair.com/component/jcalpro for scheduled dates.

To sign up call John at 813-907-1594

Don't wait another minute, there is no better time than now.

For more information go to www.tampanaturecoastmotorcycletraining.com

Old-Fashioned Quilts at Cracker Country

2011-04-06T05:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 16^th10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Textile arts were very popular in the 1890s. Families darned socks, sewed clothing, weaved rugs, fashioned fabric dolls, and knitted blankets on a regular basis. The textile arts were not only functional but also beautiful as seen in Cracker Country’s historic quilts. Come visit us on April 16th and see our historic quilts on display in our Governors Inn or try your hand at quilting in a quilting circle. Stop by the Smith House to make your own fabric doll or weave your own bookmark.

All guests will be able to participate in hands-on activities such as churning butter, making paper crafts, twisting rope, beating rugs, and helping us take care of our crops.

This program is an exceptional value, too! An adult admission ticket is $7.00 each; students six to twelve years old and senior citizens' tickets are $6.00 each. Children five and under are admitted free. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information about this exciting new program please contact Jennifer Becker, Program Supervisor, at 813-627-4225 or Jennifer.Becker@freshfromflorida.com.

Spring Home & Garden Show

2011-03-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air!

You're ready to spruce up the yard, and decorate the house, or perhaps you want to tackle that remodeling job.

This is your chance to save BIG! at the Spring Home & Garden Show.

From the kitchen to the garden, you can delight your senses, and enjoy a little one-on-one with the experts?

Over 900 exhibits of exciting new products and services under one roof in the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

March 18th, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

March 19th, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

March 20th, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

This is a big show with great deals, and exciting ideas!

Lots of demonstrations and give-a-ways.

You too can have the custom home you have always dreamed of, inside and out!

Don't forget to visit Sweets Street, did I say there would be Chocolate?

Stop by Treats for Troops and find out what you can do to help.

Cracker Country Spring School Tours

2011-03-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

It's Spring time at Cracker Country! School Tours have begun!

Surrounding area schools will be visiting Cracker Country ready to be immersed in the sights, textures, sounds, tastes and smells of the past.

Each group is led by a docent dressed in 1890's period clothing. Tours stop in the Blacksmith Shop, where they will watch a Blacksmith at work, learn about his trade, and help him with a few projects.

At the Carlton House, students learn about the history of the Carlton family, then churn and taste their own butter!

Candle-making, rope-making, and laundry are also part of the days lesson plan, along with several other activities.

For more information go to http://crackercountrynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-school-tours-starting-today.html

Florida's Largest Golf Show

2011-03-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Bringing the Outdoors In!

It's Tee Time at Florida's Largest Golf Show!

See all the latest and greatest in Golf equipment

Chat with experienced golfers, and equipment Guru's

Meet Golf Superstar Annika Sorenstam on Friday, March 11, at 1:00 p.m.

Autograph signing after the presentation!

Enter for a chance to win a Celebrity Luncheon with Annika!

To enter go to www.floridaslargestgolfshow.com

Can you imagine a one on one with Annika Sorenstam?

By the end of lunch, you will feel like a superstar!

This show is for everyone!

WQYK's Cledus T. Judd will be here Friday!

I bet Cledus will share a tip or two!

Take advantage of great show pricing and SAVE BIG!

You will find us in the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa

Friday, March 11th, 10:00am to 7:00pm

Saturday, March 12th, 10:00am to 7:00pm

Sunday March 13th, 10:00am to 6:00pm

Adult Admission $10.00

Senior Admission $9.00

Children under 12 FREE with Adult Admission

Let's Play Golf! Check out the Indoor Driving Range

For more exciting news visit www.floridaslargestgolfshow.com

Outdoor Fun!!

2011-02-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

The weather is BEAUTIFUL here in Tampa, Fl! That means it's time to get outside and have some fun! First, you will need a few things. You're in luck because the Tampa Tribune Outdoor Expo & Boat Show is happening this weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The event will feature the latest in hunting and fishing gear, boats, and plenty of outdoor products and services, as well as how-to demos and seminars. So come on out and get prepared for a full season of outdoor fun!

Hosted by The Tampa Tribune, News Channel 8, and TBO.com

Friday, March 4th 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE FRIDAY!

Saturday, March 5th 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 6th 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It's the Outdoor's Expo 20th Anniversary!

Fishing, Boating, Archery, Hunting, Kayaking, and More

Over 150 Vendors

Friday is FREE Admission

Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $8.00 for age 13 and up

Age 12 and under are FREE

For more information please visit www.TAMPAOUTDOORSEXPO.COM

2011 Florida State Fair a Success

2011-02-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

The Florida State Fair’s “The Best Time of the Year” came to a close Monday night ending on a high note. Preliminary results indicate that good weather, great value, and a strong turnout of almost 487,000 fairgoers helped to make the 2011 State Fair a huge success. This was the 107^th year of the annual State Fair.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of this year’s Fair,” said Charles Pesano, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair Authority. With over 132,000 more attendees than last year (when weather was mostly rainy and cold) Pesano credited the hard work of Fair staff, volunteers, youth and adult agriculture participants, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, and exhibitors for producing an outstanding fair. “Our Fair team works very hard each year to provide a super State Fair that provides special experiences for just about everyone he stated. ”

This year’s preliminary combined total gate admission revenue and midway ride revenue set a new all-time record of $7.797 million. This was approximately $2.550 million higher than last year’s total and approximately $802,000 more than the previous record set in 2009. The financial success of this year’s Fair is a welcome turn-around from the financial disappointment of last year’s fair when attendance was poor due to inclement weather. The Florida State Fair Authority receives no annual appropriation of state or local taxes and must rely on its own operations, which includes the annual State Fair, to fund its ongoing operations, support its educational and agricultural programming, and to maintain and improve its property and facilities.

"The 2011 Florida State Fair provided an opportunity for families to come together for a fun-filled event, rich in the agricultural heritage,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “I want to thank the Florida State Fair Authority staff, as well as the volunteers, entertainers, vendors and participants; for it was their hard work and contributions that made this year’s fair better than ever."

The State Fair’s agribusiness department prides itself in providing the opportunity for almost two thousand youth and adults to compete in a large number of agricultural competitions and programs. Almost 4,700 animals were on display during the Fair’s run. From chickens to cattle to hogs to sheep, ten different species were on display. While the final total has not been tallied, an estimated $400,000 in premiums, awards, and scholarships are expected to be paid out this year to agricultural exhibitors and others.

This year’s Fair provided an outstanding value to its fairgoers. Over 100 things to do and see each day were available at no additional charge (other than gate admission) to those attending the Fair. The Fair’s midway offered 106 rides of every type and description. The family friendly midway, separate from the main midway, offered a special selection of rides, food, and seating that was geared primarily to families with young children. Some of the entertainment scheduled throughout the day, included “Celebrate” – a Las Vegas styled show with live singers and dancers, the Dennis Lee Show, the Blues Brothers Tribute Show, Circus Hollywood, the Spanish Lyric Theater, Nock’s Helicopter Trapeze Thrill Show, Kachunga and the Alligator, the Sea Lion Splash, the Welde Bear Show, and the Hollywood Racing Pigs. And, of course, Cracker Country was open each day for fairgoers to experience the life style and crafts of 1890’s rural Florida.

In addition, the Florida Center offered guests the opportunity to view a wide variety of special craft items including hand-made quilts, intricate wood carvings, and mosaic dollhouses. Youth fine art pieces, wines competition, and horticultural exhibits were also displayed there.

“We are pleased that the Florida State Fair continues to offer guests everything a fair should; fun, livestock, great food, rides and entertainment; all at an outstanding value,” Pesano concluded.

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For additional information contact Rip Stalvey, Director of Marketing and Museum Operations at 813-477-3138, or by email at rip.stalvey@freshfromflorida.com

Thank You Thank You!

2011-02-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

Florida State Fair Champion of Champions Program

2011-02-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

By the time students throughout the state of Florida head off to school, 4-H and FFA students have already had a full morning of caring for their special animal projects. As the primary care givers, students take on the responsibility of feeding, walking and otherwise raising the animals to their full potential. These dedicated young individuals are part of a special program known as the Champion of Champions.
Years ago, the Florida State Fair in conjunction with the University of Florida developed the Champion of Champions program. This program allows for students to participate in a four year rotation in which they learn information related directly to their animal project. Over this four year rotation period students learn about nutrition and reproduction for their animals, how to correctly market the animal as well as useful skills, such as knot tying. Materials for these educational courses are provided to each student by the Florida State Fair. The educational component which is a large part, prepares the students each year to participate as a youth exhibitor in the livestock portion of the Florida State Fair. Participation in this particular program has increased by more than 85 % since its inception, and shows no signs of slowing down.
It is amazing to see a young individual take on a complex project of raising an animal rather than sitting in front of a video game. It takes great determination and dedication to grow these animals to their max potential and to also take on the educational components involved. One youth exhibitor stated, “It is a tremendous learning experience for me. I thought all I had to do was lead an animal around a show ring. I soon found out there was much more to this project”.
The premise of the Champion program is for the youth exhibitors to earn points which are converted to money and Achievement Premiums after the Fair. The youth exhibitors may do this by participating in various educational activities throughout the fair. This is their opportunity to show off the hard work and time they have put into their animals. All activities were designed to give the youth exhibitors a better understanding of their project. Each year there are about nine activities in which they can participate. These activities range from attending educational seminars, creating an educational poster, showmanship competition and the popular Skilathon. In the Skilathon, the youth exhibitors take a timed test covering the knowledge they have learned from the provided Skilathon manual.
Champion of Champions offers a special opportunity for the youth who are mentally or academically challenged by eliminating the time limit on certain activities, as well as providing a mentor to assist. This allows these youths to compete with their friends and still have a chance to win.
At the end, the points are totaled within each species and the top four seniors with the highest number of points are announced as the Champion Youth. They are awarded savings bonds ranging from $1,000.00 for highest point individual to $250.00 for 4th place individual. The Intermediate and Junior high point individuals are also announced and awarded $100.00 savings bonds. At this point the competition the top four senior winners in each of the eight species continue on to the final Champion of Champions competition which is held on the last day of the Fair in the Special Events center. This round robin competition requires these winners to display their skills and knowledge in all eight species of livestock production.
During Champion of Champions awards banquet where exhibitors, sponsors, parents, 4 – H Leaders, FFA Teachers, committee members, and staff join to recognize the winners. At the conclusion of the awards presentations, the top 6 winners of the round robin competition are recognized with trophies and savings bonds as follows: 1st place Champion of Champions - $3,000.00, 2nd place - $2,500.00, 3rd place - $2,000.00, 4th place - $1,500.00, 5th place - $1,000.00, 6th place - $500.00.
At the 2010 Florida State Fair Youth Exhibitors earned more than $150,000.00 in Achievement Premiums and Savings Bonds, in addition to the animal premiums of over $167,000.00.
The Champion of Champions program trains today’s youth to become our agricultural leaders of tomorrow. This program takes a lot of work and support from a large number of people. University staffs, sponsors, parents, volunteers and the dedicated board members of the Florida State Fair Authority, all support the program.
The 2011 Florida State Fair dates are February 10th through 21st. The Florida State Fair – “The Best Time of the Year” – is organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
For further information on the Champion of Champions program, please contact Vina Jean Banks, Director of Agribusiness, 813-627- 4338 or VinaJean.Banks@freshfromflorida.com.

Eat.Ride.Laugh....and Shop Till Ya Drop!!

2011-02-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

With only 1 day left (after today) of "The Best Time of the Year" you have limited time to fit in all your favorite fair foods, rides and free shows!! Oh! And don't forget the shopping!!! That's right, no need to hit the mall, you can buy everything from homemade goods over at the Special Events Center, to pots, lottery tickets, make up, jewelry, and products you didn't know existed over in Expo Hall. Also, pick up the official Florida State Fair Cookbook for sale over at the Florida Center. So before you hit the gates, shop till ya drop!

Why it is “The Best Time of the Year”

2011-02-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Why do you think the Florida State Fair is “The Best Time of the Year”? Here is what the Florida State Fair’s Facebook Fans said.
“The Florida State Fair is the best time of the year since you can spend a fun day with family and friends. You've got rides, food, shopping, entertainment, animals, agriculture, art and some much more! There is no better time and value anywhere else then the Florida State Fair”.-Gary C Riggs Jr.
“It’s the best time of the year for all your new family members to be able to experience the fair, this year my children ages 5 -4 - 3 are coming along to enjoy the rides, animals, food, and music. We love the state fair”!!-Jamie Wilson
“Sometimes you want to be a responsible adult. Other times you want to eat things on sticks and ride in the Batcopter. It's the best time of year because it's the best time to let out your inner squealing five year old who just wants to wear footie pajamas and eat candy for breakfast, no matter what your actual age is”.- Dora Breckinridge
“For me and my twin sister, it's the best time of the year because it always falls around our birthday! We gather all our friends and go every year to celebrate our birthday. There's no better way to celebrate than with all sorts of rides and fried foods. No matter how old you get, it's the best reminder that everyone is still really a kid”.-Holly Hood
“It is the best time of the year because every one of ALL ages, backgrounds and lifestyles can come together to one place and have a blast! Whether you like animals, crafts, Elvis impersonators, carnival games, thrilling rides or interesting fair-unique food, you can come and share great memories at the fairgrounds every year! (Oh and it always falls on Valentine’s Day, which is really romantic!)”-Kassy Leasure
“My birthday usually corresponds with the state fair. This year will be the big 30, and we'll be celebrating going on all the rides one day and the next going to all the shows and junking out on all the delicious but bad for us fair food! I couldn't believe how much there is to see and do at the fair! Such a great value! Always something to do for ANYONE in your family! (young and old alike!)”-Allison Whitcomb
“So much to love! Fun rides, fantastic animals, and the food - we literally eat our way through the Fair! We spend hours there! Plus, it's close to home! All-around WINNER”!-Diane Dunphy Radtke
“Going to the Florida State Fair has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember! Even now that I'm married and living away from Tampa I am still meeting my family for the annual tradition, I can't wait”!-Cristina Rodriguez

Free fair admission today after 4pm!

2011-02-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

Yes you read that right. The Florida State Fair is granting anyone that has a craving for a deep fried slice of pizza, an ice cream cheeseburger, or a love of animals in to the grounds for an evening they will never forget. Yes! Free night at the fair is back!

As a fair employee, I haven't tried everything here, so if you have already been to the fair, you definitely haven't seen it all. With over 100 things to do for free, you can easily get lost in the moment on any of the rides, eating any of the foods, and watching any of the entertainment acts.

If you haven't "liked" us on facebook, make sure you do that before you come out for some very special ways to experience the fair on your mobile device. Our staff likes to to do special things for our fans, like give out coupon value books with hundreds of dollars in savings bound into a small wallet of coupons. Some of our vendors will even give you free things if you like there page as well!

The possibilities are endless to have a good time tonight! Parking is free, and admission is free after 4pm? What other entertainment venue of our size does that? And offers more?

We love you Tampa Bay! So come and enjoy some fun on us!

2011 BATON TWIRLING CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIR FEBRUARY 19th

2011-02-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

More than 200 twirlers from across Florida will travel to Tampa to showcase their twirling talent in the 2011 Florida State Fair Baton Twirling Championships.

The competition begins at 9:00 A.M. February 19th in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, marking the eighth time the Florida State Fair hosts the championships. Participants range in age from five to adult and will be competing in various twirling categories, including fancy strut straight line, super X-strut, basic strut, military, solo, 2-baton, 3-baton and duets.

Entrants will be able to compete individually, or as members of a twirling group, and all middle and high schools are invited to bring their twirling teams to the competition.

“The twirling competition is open to the public and we hope to make people more aware of twirling as a sport,” said Lynann Hudson, committee member for the 2011 Baton Twirling Championships. “Because baton twirling is growing World-wide, hosting the competition at the Florida State Fair is a great way to let the public experience a very exciting event.”

The top three twirlers will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, and a special award will be presented to the Solo Twirl-Off Champions in the novice, beginner, intermediate and advance divisions. The top two groups competing will also receive trophies.

For more information on the 2011 Florida Baton Twirling Championship please log on to www.floridastatefair.com, or call 1-800-345-3247.

14 Romantic things to do at the Fair on Valentines Day

2011-02-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

1 - Eat chocolate covered strawberries

2 - Get your hearts pounding together on the "Big Sling"

3 - Take Salsa Dance Lessons together anytime from 10-5

4 - Have a steak dinner at Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips

5 - Get a couples portrait! Have a caricature done!

6 - The sky glider.....a sunset view of the fair

7 - Sneak away together to have your shoes shined

8 - Footsie Tootsie massage!

9 - Show your skills and win a stuffed animal for your sweetheart

10 - Get a smooch from a giraffe at "Giraffic Park"

11 - Ride the "Giant Wheel" at sunset

12 - Share a red velvet funnel cake or bacon maple cupcake with your sweetheart

13 - What's your number? Find out what number you are at the sleep number booth inside expo hall.

14 - Share a "Strawberry Shortcake" on a stick at Mamma Mia's in the World Village. Battered, fried, and topped with whipped cream of course.

Midway Power Hour

2011-02-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Florida State Fair puts together a great new program for its guests, where they can save on Midway rides. During “Power Hour”, each ride only costs one dollar, and will take place on Saturday the 12th and Saturday the 19th, between 10 am and 11am on the Midway.

This program was designed to let Fair guests experience more rides for a discounted rate. During the week, tickets are priced at a dollar each, and most rides require 3-6 tickets. Even the Family Friendly Midway on the east side of the property will be participating in this discount program. This will allow the Fair’s younger audience to take advantage of the savings.

Rip Stalvey, Director of Marketing and Museum Operations for the Florida State Fair Authority, comments, “For us, the Power Hour is a way to give back to our Fair ride fans. The most important thing to experience when you come to the Fair is fun, and the Midway Power Hour helps fair goers achieve that at a good value”.

The Fair ride enthusiast must choose wisely, for there are over one hundred rides that are included in the program. Attractions and Thrill Zone rides, will not participate in “Power Hour”.

The Florida State Fair, “The Best Time of the Year,” takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds February 10th – 21st. For more information on tickets, rides, food, and free entertainment, visit floridastatefair.com.

Florida State Fair Adds Pinellas County Student Day

2011-02-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

When the Florida State Fair Authority learned that school students in Pinellas County were not getting Presidents Day off, it immediately moved to accommodate the students on another day.

“We certainly want Pinellas students to have an opportunity to enjoy the Florida State Fair,” said Charles Pesano, Executive Director with the Fair Authority. “Pinellas County students will be receiving a free ticket to visit the Florida State Fair, just like students in surrounding counties,” Pesano added.

Since Pinellas students are off on February 14th this year rather than Presidents Day, the Fair Authority will designate February 14th as Pinellas County Student Day. Students will now have the opportunity to come enjoy the great rides, delicious food, and fun times and won’t have to buy an admission ticket to do it, just by bringing their provided ticket.

Additionally the Fair Authority will include February 14th in the new Midway Power Hour promotion. The Midway Power Hour will allow guests to experience some great rides for just one dollar from 12 noon until 1pm. Certain thrill and specialty rides are excluded.

“We have always stressed providing good value for our guests, that’s why we added a special Midway Power Hour,” Pesano said. “It was the right thing to do,” he concluded.

Free Tickets for School Students

2011-02-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

Attention! Parents of Florida students! The 2011 Florida State Fair has a wonderful way to help you and your family save money during “The Best Time of the Year”. The Florida State Fair presents “Free Tickets for School Students”. Each year the following Florida county schools, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Polk hand out free Florida State Fair tickets to each student. Each student will receive one ticket for admission to the Fair on their counties assigned day. Check your kid’s backpacks, because these tickets will be handed out soon! Below are the dates in which the tickets may be redeemed:

Hillsborough County Schools- Friday, February 11th

Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Polk County Schools-Monday, February 21st

For more Fair information please visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/. We look forward to seeing you at “The Best Time of the Year”.

"Corndogs and Country" Line-Up Change

2011-02-01T07:43:00.001-08:00

The Florida State Fair announced a line-up change to the 2011 “Corndogs and Country” Concert scheduled for the 2011 State Fair. Country singer Colt Ford will replace Jake Owen at the pop country concert taking place on February 11, 2011, 6pm at the Live Nation’s 1-800-ASK- GARY Amphitheatre. The other performers for “Corn Dogs and Country” include Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, Sunny Sweeney and Brett Eldredge. Tickets are $20, plus fees, and are on sale now at LiveNation.com.

Busy Busy!

2011-01-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Florida State Fair fans! "The Best Time of the Year" is just around the corner and things are progressing quickly. It is so exciting over here at the fairgrounds. Rides are coming in one after another and setting up, food booothes, ticket stands and tents are popping up like wildflowers! Everyone is working around the clock to make the 2011 fair amazing. Don't miss out!
You can buy advanced discount tickets online at http://www.floridastatefair.net/ (must order buy Feb 3rd) or at your local Sweetbay Supermarket.

To check out our Behind the Scenes of the 2011 Fair album, visit us on Facebook:

http://http//www.facebook.com/floridastatefairgrounds

????What Does This Mean??????

2011-01-21T12:03:00.003-08:00

Youth International Cooking Challenge!

2011-01-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

Youth International Cooking Challenge

Tampa, Fl

Those messy kitchen cooking experiments might finally pay off. Put your child’s cooking curiosity to good use and enter them into the Florida State Fair International Cooking Challenge. This competition is opened to all middle and high school students in the State of Florida and is a fun way to show off their culinary talents. To participate in the challenge, the recipe must have international flair. Anyone who participates must be able to attend the Florida State Fair on February 17^th at 6:30 pm with their dish prepared in a non breakable container to be sampled by judges. Check in for the challenge will be at Gate 2 on February 17^th between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Contestants must complete an entry form to be mailed or emailed in along with a copy of the recipe they will be making. All entry forms must be received no later than February 14, 2011.

Florida State Fair Authority/Cooking Challenge

4800 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610

Or email the info to: cookingchallenge@floridastatefair.com

Entry form: http://www.floridastatefair.com/state-fair/competitions

Showcase their culinary talents and win great prizes!

1^st Place $500

2^nd Place $250

3^rd Place $125

Get your future celebrity chef in the kitchen and start prepping now.

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For more information contact Scott Merselis, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, at 813-477-0142 or email him at scott.merselis@freshfromflorida.com.

Countdown to Fair…Time to Prepare!

2011-01-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, and Monday’s are list making day. So I am going to help you out with a top 10 list of what you can do to prepare early for the “Best Time of the Year”.

5- Get advanced tickets and save $4 per adult ticket. Visit Sweetbay stores , or http://www.floridastatefair.net/home.

4-Coming from far away? Or want to have a fair getaway weekend? Book one of our preferred hotels now before they fill up. http://www.floridastatefair.com/state-fair/lodging/hotels

3-Get your “Corndogs and Country” tickets online. $20 plus fees, gets you an awesome country concert plus admission into the fair! http://www.floridastatefair.net/home

2-Buy your 2011 Florida State Fair coupon books and ride tickets/armbands online. http://www.floridastatefair.net/home

1-Follow us on Twitter @flstfairgrounds and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/floridastatefairgrounds for chances to win tickets leading up to the fair.

Get excited because fair time is less than 25 days away!! I can already smell the funnel cakes and_____on a stick! Oh and deep fried_______!!!

"Corndogs n' Country"

2011-01-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

What are two of the best things in the world? Food on a stick and country music. Jackpot! On Friday February 11th at 6pm, the 2011 Florida State Fair welcomes the “Corndogs n’ Country” concert presented by WQYK at the Live Nation Entertainments’ 1-800 Ask Gary Amphitheatre. This concert will feature performances by country superstars Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, Colt Ford, Sunny Sweeney and Brett Eldredge. $20 (plus fees) is all you need to partake in this awesome night of fun. Come early because with the concert, the $20 also gets you an armband to gain access between the concert and the State Fair. You can’t beat that value! Tickets can be purchased at LiveNation.com, TicketMaster.com, FloridaStateFair.com, WQYK.com, and all TicketMaster Outlets.

“We are excited to be able to offer fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy the State Fair and some great country music”, said Charles Pesano, Executive Director for the Florida State Fair Authority.

Besides having fun you will also be able to stick to your New Year’s resolution by contributing to a good cause. The Amphitheatre will donate a portion of each ticket sold to support the University of South Florida Tutor a Bull Program, which pairs USF college students with middle school students in need of tutoring.

So get your ticket, rally up some friends, pull the boots and 10 gallons out and head on over to the “Best Time of the Year” for some “Corndog n’ Country” fun!
See Y’all Soon!

Score FREE State Fair Tickets!

2010-12-20T05:26:00.000-08:00

Want to know how you can get four free tickets to the annual Florida State Fair? Just share you photo memories of visits to the Florida State Fair for an opportunity to win free tickets.

“We want our friends and followers on Facebook to share the good times they have had at the Florida State Fair”, said Rip Stalvey, Director of Marketing for the Florida State Fair Authority. “We love talking with our fans so we can make the Fair even better than before,” he added.

If you are a fair fanatic, history lover, equestrian enthusiast, event planner, agriculture buff, or are interested in our events check out our Facebook page. Just click on the “like” button on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/floridastatefairgrounds to keep up to date with what’s going on. You can read guest testimonials, receive updated event news, see photographs and watch fair videos, and get information on Fair 2011 shows, competitions, and highlights.

Each week, beginning in December and continuing through February 4^th, the Florida State Fairgrounds invites fans to post images of their visit to a past State Fair, or a Fairgrounds event, to the Florida State Fairgrounds Facebook page. If you’re not a Facebook user you can still enter by emailing photos directly to Jennifer Becker at beckerj@doacs.state.fl.us.

At the end of each week, one fan will be randomly selected to become the “fan of the week” and receive four free 2011 State Fair tickets. Plus, the winner will have their photograph highlighted as the Florida State Fairgrounds Facebook profile picture for one week.

The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the best in the agriculture and equestrian industries, plus an abundance of shows, crafts, music, rides, food and family fun for 12 consecutive days. The 2011 Florida State Fair will take place February 10-21, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.

“We can’t wait to see everyone’s state fair photo memories: It’s the event that truly is the ‘Best Time of the Year’,” Stalvey concluded.

Internship Opportunities

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Are you a college student looking to gain real life marketing experience? The Florida State Fair Authority is currently seeking interns to assist in marketing efforts for the annual Florida State Fair.

“We have been fortunate to have some very talented young people working with us as interns in years past,” said Rip Stalvey Director of Marketing and Museum Operations. “They have helped in many areas, from graphics design, video production and public relations,” he added.

Marketing at the Florida State Fair is a fun, fast paced and rewarding experience. It offers students a chance to gain hands-on learning in many fields and gain a broad spectrum of experiences.

This year the Authority will be offering paid internship opportunities in the areas of public relations, graphic design, social media, and general marketing campaign efforts for the state fair. Fair dates this year are February 10^th through the 21^st of February. Internships are available now and will run through the end of the fair.

The Fair Authority’s Marketing Department is looking for creative and energetic students with a passion for working with people. Interested individuals should contact the Fair Authority’s human resources department at 813-621-7821 for more information.

“This is an excellent opportunity for college students to gain experience in marketing at one of the largest outdoor events in the area,” Stalvey concluded.

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For more information, contact Rip Stalvey, Director of Marketing and Museum Operations for the Florida State Fair Authority at 813-477-3138 or by e-mail at stalver1@doacs.state.fl.us

Florida State Fairgrounds is trimming up for the biggest event of the year!

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Hey this is Scott from the Florida State Fair! I just found a fact that I would love to share with all of you!

We at the fair grounds have a lot of property to maintain. Not only that, all that property has trees, bushes, weeds, flowers, and other landscaping challenges that our staff compete with all year long. They have now officially kicked it into high gear.

Over our entire property, to make sure our guests are surrounded by Florida beauty, we trim over 400 palm trees on our grounds, along with 250 oak trees!

Now that's a big yard! I got more cool facts to come! Hope to see you here in February.

Stained glass, cozy quilts, and other unique gifts

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Hey fans of the fairgrounds, the 17^th Annual Buckler’s Craft Fair will be here at the Fairgrounds this weekend! Come see award winning exhibitors and crafters displaying and selling handmade items. Grab a friend and come browse through unique one-of-a-kind items and gifts, custom home décor, sample delicious fudge and gourmet delights, try on custom made gold and silver jewelry, find that perfect piece of handcrafted furniture. You’ll also find country and traditional crafts, folk art, dolls, hair accessories, candles, baskets, baby items, artwork, pet items, quilts, wearable art, flags, painted glass, yard art, CD’s, framed prints, note cards, scrapbooking, herb pax, primitive, personalized items, and much more. Hourly giveaways of $20 shopping sprees!!

Adults $ 6, Kids 4-12 $1. One paid admission good all weekend with a hand stamp. BUY ONE ADMISSION – GET ONE FREE. Print this out or bring a canned good for this offer. Benefits the local food bank.

Times:

Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm

Parking & Location:

Located inside Entertainment Hall. Please enter through 301 gate.

Tampa Bay Boat Show to bring the boating sales event of the season!

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Hey Fairgrounds followers, Jennifer here. Are you in the market for a boat or just looking for a fun way to spend your afternoon? Come visit the Fairgrounds this weekend (Friday November 19th-Sunday November 21st) and see 2011 boat models, the latest in boating and fishing supplies, and millions of dollars of boating inventory.

St. Pete Times presents
the Tampa Bay Boat Show

This three-day sales event offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. The main floor will be filled with new boats, trailers, docking and safety equipment, and many outdoor-related exhibits! The show will feature everything from wave runners to pontoons.

Also, come in on Saturday and Sunday and learn from the area’s top fishing experts & captains sharing their expertise in a variety of fish-y topics—presented by the Gulf & Bay Florida Fishing School.

Admission is free!--$5.00 for Parking

Friday, November 19, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This event is located in Entertainment Hall. Please enter through the 301 gate.

Hey, Fairgrounds followers! The Fall Pet Adoption Expo is here!

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Saturday, Nov. 13 between 10am and 4pm

Come visit and see hundreds of cats, kittens, parrots, dogs and puppies of all sizes and colors all looking for a loving home. This is the largest pet adoption in the bay area with more than 60 shelters, rescue groups, and pet vendors all under one roof. There will also be a wide variety of pet products, giveaways, trainers, and educational displays.

If you are interested in adopting bring a valid photo ID, proof of address, and renters’ permissions. All adoptable pets will come spayed/neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

Also, as a special tribute for Veterans Week, Pets for Vets! The Fall Pet Adoption Expo is themed in red, white and blue décor with “Pets for Vets” discounts for both active and retired military and their families. Special guests include K9’s for Veterans as well as the Mac Dill Honor Guard 10th Mobility Wing for the official Presentation of Colors.

Free parking and admission too.

Visit our Events Calendar for more details about this event!

Welcome!

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Welcome to the Blog of the Florida State Fairgrounds. We hope you visit often to learn about all things Fairgrounds related. Whether its updates about the annual Florida State Fair or other events coming to the fairgrounds, you’ll find information about it here.

Fairgrounds staff are working very hard since the fall and early winter months are always busy ones. There are lots of great events scheduled to be held here in the months ahead. Other events many don’t think about us hosting are horse shows. The Florida State Fairgrounds has one of the premier horse show facilities in the state, the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. For information about upcoming horse shows you can visit http://www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com to learn all about them.

In just about three months the 106^th Florida State Fair will debut. The 2011 Florida State Fair promises to be one of the best on record. There’s so much to see and do and it’s also one of the best values around. Make sure to save the dates, February 10-21, 2011, so you can savor all the great fair food, ride all the thrill rides you can, plus see lots of great entertainment as well as agricultural shows and displays. When you buy your tickets in advance you can save up to $4 on the regular adult admission price. Check back often to learn more about everything that we have in store for our fair guests. You can also visit us on-line at www.floridastatefair.com for updates to the Florida State Fair.

We are committed to offering guests and exhibitors a great experience while they’re here at the Florida State Fairgrounds. If you have suggestions or ideas for us, I would love to hear from you. You can email me, Rip Stalvey, Director of Marketing and Museum Operations, at stalver1@doacs.state.fl.us to share your thoughts.