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4800 U.S. Highway 301 North Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821 Fax (813) 740-3505 www.floridastatefair.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS [NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. – October 24, 2007. The fall season is in full swing at the Fairgrounds with a bevy of entertainment and fun for all in November. Take a look at what's coming up next month at the Florida State Fairgrounds adjacent to I-4 and U.S. Highway 301 in East Hillsborough County. A brief listing of the monthly events is provided below followed by a detailed event description.
Ongoing weekly every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Cracker Country programs - Afternoons in the Country and Country Tea Time. Country Tea Time is for groups of five or more; reservations are required. Please note: Cracker Country will be closed for the holidays on Nov. 21-25. Ongoing monthly on the third Saturday of each month from March through December: Cracker Country’s Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups Ongoing weekly on Tuesday evenings: 4-H Dog Training Classes
Nov. 1 and 3: Concert – Jimmy Buffet
Nov. 2-4: Fall Home Show
Nov. 2-4: Harvest Days Horse Show
Nov. 3: Tampa Bay Highland Games and Celtic Festival
Nov. 3: Pet Adoption Expo
Nov. 3: Fall Gaited Classic
Nov. 4: Concert – Rascal Flatts
Nov. 7-11: UniverSoul Circus – “The Magic of Soul”
Nov. 8-11: Tampa Bay RV Show
Nov. 9-10: SSWRHA Horse Show - Sunshine State Celebration
Nov. 9-10: Fiesta Florida P.R.E. Horse Show
Nov. 9-11: Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market
Nov. 15-18: CFHJA Horse Show
Nov. 15: USF Education in Action Lunch
Nov. 16-18: Discover Native America PowWow & Music Festival
Nov. 21-24: AHAF Thanksgiving Arabian Horse Show
Nov. 24-25: Buckler’s Craft Fair
Nov. 24-25: Tampa Bay Antiques and Collectibles Fair Ongoing weekly: Cracker Country’s Afternoons in the Country Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., patrons can re-live Florida’s rural past of the 1890s by exploring Cracker Country’s collection of turn-of-the-20th century public buildings, farm structures and homes. Guests will experience live costumed historical interpretations led by highly trained and skilled docent volunteers presented along with an audio history. Admission is $2 per person and includes the use of the audio history tour CD and player. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Groups of 10 or more should make a reservation in advance by calling 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. For more information, go online to www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225. (Cracker Country will be closed for the holidays on Nov. 21-25.)
Ongoing weekly: Country Tea Time at Cracker Country Groups of five or more are invited to come and experience a cup of Victorian tea with a twist of country every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Learn about this significant 19th century social ritual and take home a souvenir of your afternoon gathering. Price is $20 per person and includes admission to Afternoons in the Country. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Groups must make a reservation in advance by calling 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. For more information, go online to www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225. (Cracker Country will be closed for the holidays on Nov. 21-25.)
Ongoing monthly: Cracker Country’s Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups On the third Saturday of each month occurring from March through December, Cracker Country hosts these special hands-on tours for youth groups to learn about rural Florida history. Children will experience what life would have been like for someone their age living in the late 1890s. The two-hour tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and pre-registration is required with a 10-person minimum per group. Tour admission is $4.50 per person and one chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions. Parking is free for these tours; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Groups should register in advance by calling 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. For more information, go online to www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.
Ongoing weekly: 4-H Dog Training Classes Every Tuesday evening, the Hillsborough County 4-H Dog Project holds dog training classes for 4-H members at 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Immediately following at 7:30 p.m., there are adult and children dog training classes in conformation and obedience. Inquire in advance for class pricing and building location for each as it may vary by week. Parking is free for these classes; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information on the 4-H Dog Project training classes, contact Sally Alford Manning by e-mail horsepny@tampabay.rr.com. For more information on the adult/children training classes, contact Teresa Gimbut by e-mail tgimbut@yahoo.com or call 813-672-2095. Nov. 1 and 3: CONCERT – Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band Parrotheads will rejoice as Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band perform on two nights at the Ford Amphitheatre. The Nov. 3 show is already sold out! Ticket prices are $126 for reserved seating and $36 for lawn seating. Prices include sales tax and parking; all tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service and handling charges. There may be a Ticketmaster Fee or a Box Office Service Charge added to the price of each ticket. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice; concerts are scheduled to take place rain or shine. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office; or purchase online at www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100 or for fans with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information, logon to www.livenation.com or call (813) 740-2446. Nov. 2-4: Florida’s Largest Fall Home Show Held in the Expo Hall, Florida's Largest Home Show provides a one-stop marketplace to see the latest products and services in remodeling, decorating, landscaping and furnishings for the home. This year’s show will focus on how to “go green” around the home and how to cut costs on projects. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults; seniors ages 55 and up are $7, and children 12 and younger enter free with an adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, log on to www.bighomeshow.com or call Turner Exposition at 813-677-6925. Nov. 2-4: Harvest Days Horse Show Sponsored by the Tampa Horse Show Association, this annual event returns to the Charlie Lykes Arena for a fast-paced competition featuring Saddlebreds, Morgans, Roadsters and Ponies. Classes are held Friday at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, logon to www.tampahorseshows.org or call Becky Buffington at 813-926-6974. Nov. 3: Pet Adoption Expo Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, the ASPCA and No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County team up to bring over 25 animal rescue groups with hundreds of dogs and cats of all ages, colors and breeds looking for a good home. The event also features dog training demonstrations and pet products for sale. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this event only; visitors must enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, logon to www.tampapets.org or call Sherry Silk at 813-569-5043. Nov. 3: Tampa Bay Highland Games and Celtic Festival Experience Irish and Scottish heritage during this one day celebration held outdoors at the Fairgrounds! Enjoy the many festivities including the Mass Bands Opening Ceremonies, the Great Highland Bagpipes, Irish/Scottish dancing, Celtic foods, artesian crafts, entertainment and much more. Admission tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children under 12 years of age. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and gates open at 8:30 a.m. No outside food or beverages are permitted. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance by the Roadmasters parking lot. For more information, log on to www.tampabayhighlandgames.com or contact Robert Hossack at 813-383-4405. Nov. 3: Fall Gaited Classic Sponsored by the Florida Rocky Mountain Horse Association (RMHA), this horse show is sanctioned as a class ‘B’ show with RMHA and sanctioned with Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) as an ‘A’ rated show. The event will be held in the West Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center and begins at 9 a.m. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, log on to www.rockymtnhorse.org/FlaRocky/ or contact Kathy Parrish at 352-406-1395. Nov. 4: Concert – Rascal Flatts The Still Feels Good Tour '07 featuring Rascal Flatts with special guest Jason Aldean perform on Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Ford Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $73.75 for reserved seating and $34.25 for lawn seating. Prices include sales tax and parking; all tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service and handling charges. There may be a Ticketmaster Fee or a Box Office Service Charge added to the price of each ticket. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice; concerts are scheduled to take place rain or shine. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office; or purchase online at www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100 or for fans with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information, logon to www.livenation.com or call (813) 740-2446. Nov. 7-11: UniverSoul Circus – “The Magic of Soul” UniverSoul Circus returns to Tampa with a new show titled "The Magic of Soul" held outdoors at the Florida State Fairgrounds. In its 14th season, UniverSoul Circus blends urban-rich, family entertainment with a taste of magic and mystique. Performances will feature flying trapeze artists, Chinese bicycle daredevils, gravity-defying aerial gymnasts, mind-bending contortionists, and much more that will entice audiences of all ages. Show times are as follows: Wed., Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 8 and Fri., Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sat., Nov. 10 at Noon, 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices for adult and child admission vary by day and time. Children less than one year of age are admitted free with a paying adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.universoulcircus.com or call 1-800-316-7439 for more information. Nov. 8-11: Tampa Bay RV Show Held at the Expo Hall and outdoors, The Florida RV Trade Association will host the first preview of 2008 RV models and showcase hundreds of new and used recreational vehicles of all varieties on display and available for purchase. There will be exhibits on campgrounds, finance, insurance, as well as parts, accessories and supplies. Show hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and free for children less than 16 years of age. Guests may receive $1 off admission per person with a canned good donation to benefit Metropolitan Ministries. Military, firemen, and police may get free admission on Friday only. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, log on to www.frvta.org or call Patty McCarson at 813-741-0488. Nov. 9-10: SSRWSHA Horse Show - Sunshine State Celebration Hosted by the Sunshine State Racking, Walking and Spotted Saddle Horse Association (SSRWSHA), horses and riders of all levels will participate in preliminary and championship classes held in the Charlie Lykes Arena at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center throughout two days. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, log on to www.ssrwsha.org or contact Debbie DesChamps at 352-796-0298 or e-mail secretary@ssrwsha.org. Nov. 9-10: Fiesta Florida P.R.E. Horse Show Sponsored by the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse Association, watch as renowned Spanish horses perform in the Covered Ring and West Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Morphology and performance classes will be held at 8:30 a.m. each day. Additionally, the Pati Pierucci Dressage Clinic will be held on Friday only along with exhibitions and demonstrations throughout the day. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, log on to http://prehorse.org/_main/ or contact Kim Boyer at 231-865-6000. Nov. 9-11: Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market The Junior League of Tampa hosts its three-day, annual holiday fundraiser in the Entertainment Hall. The shopping extravaganza features over 150 merchants selling upscale clothing, jewelry, handbags, art, and more. Special activities will be held throughout the day including photos with Santa, children’s crafts with the Tampa Museum of Art, and complimentary gift wrapping is available for items purchased. Event hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per adult and children 12 and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, log on to www.jltampa.org or call 813-254-1734. Nov. 15: USF Education in Action Luncheon Nearly 650 business, educational, government and community leaders will gather for the annual Education in Action Luncheon hosted by the University of South Florida (USF) College of Education in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority. Highlights during the luncheon will include prominent guest speakers and partnership recognition. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at 12 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and proceeds benefit the USF College of Education programs. Attendees should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Parking is complimentary for this event. For more information, contact Richard Dearolf at 813- 974-0363 or e-mail Dearolf@tempest.coedu.usf.edu. Nov. 15-18: CFHJA Horse Show Hosted by the Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA), various horse breeds will compete throughout four days in both hunter and jumper categories at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Competitions begin daily between 7:30-8:00 a.m. depending on the category. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, log on to www.cfhja.com or contact Dani Becker at 813-571-0111. Nov. 16 -18: Native America Powwow & Music Festival Held in the Entertainment Hall and outdoors, festival activities include a dance and drum contest, performances by Native American Bands, food and craft vendors, and a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the event takes place on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $7 per adult and children ages 12 and under are free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, log on to www.dnapowwow.com or call Frank Moore Jr. at 954-347-1838. Nov. 21-24: AHAF Thanksgiving Arabian Horse Show The Arabian Horse Association of Florida (AHAF) hosts its annual USDF recognized horse show featuring Arabian, Half-Arabian and National Show Horses from throughout the country. Held in multiple locations at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the day classes begin at 8 a.m. and evening classes start at 6 p.m. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, logon to www.ahafl.org or call John Gersch at 561-602-7122. Nov. 24-25: Buckler’s Craft Fair Held in the Entertainment Hall, visitors can get a head start on their holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind creations and hand-made crafts from some of the finest artisans in the nation. Find plenty of unique items including folk art, shabby/chic home accessories, jewelry, handcrafted furniture, toys and dolls, homemade fudge, gourmet delights, Christmas and red hat items, and much more. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 per adult and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult. A hand stamp readmits patrons all weekend for the event. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, log on to www.bpcraftfairs.com or call Buckler Promotions at 386-860-0092. Nov. 24-25: Tampa Bay Antiques and Collectibles Fair Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, this event will feature over 125 indoor and outdoor dealers from across the nation. Thousands of items will be available for purchase including all types of antiques, collectibles, artwork, furniture, jewelry, automobilia, Floridiana, paintings, silver, crystal, architectural items and much more! Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6 per adult or $5 with a coupon or discount card per person. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, log on to www.21centuryexpo.com or contact Jeff Francis at 727-345-6627.
For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, please call 813-621-7821; check the Fairgrounds Info Line at 813-622-7275; or log on to http://www.floridastatefair.com/ and click on Calendar of Events. Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. To cover general Fairgrounds events, please contact Denise Shreaves directly 813-627-4314 or e-mail shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events, please contact David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003. Media wishing to cover an event should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance and check in with the security guard to notify the appropriate contact person. The Florida State Fair Authority operates the Florida State Fairgrounds 365 days a year, in association with the 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. ### |