DEC. 2007 EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821             Fax (813) 740-3505             http://www.floridastatefair.com/

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. – November 15, 2007.  Visitors will be merry and bright with the sights and sounds of events taking place in December at the Florida State Fairgrounds adjacent to I-4 and U.S. Highway 301 in Eastern 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 Dec. 24-26. 
• 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. 30 - Dec. 2: Tampa Trials
• Dec. 1: Christmas in the Country 
• Dec. 1: Concert – Charliepalooza
• Dec. 1-2: Suncoast Gun Show and Sale
• Dec. 2: Concert – 97X Next Big Thing 7
• Dec. 8: Concert – Holiday Shock Show
• Dec. 8-9: WAHL Walkabout Tour - Clinton Anderson Down Under Horsemanship
• Dec. 8-9: SouthEast Hunter Jumper Show
• Dec. 8-9: Cheer America Cheer and Dance Competition
• Dec. 11: Florida State Fair Authority Board Meeting
• Dec. 13-16: Central Florida Hunter Jumper Show
• Dec. 15-16: Tampa Railfair and Model Train Show & Sale
• Dec. 21: Dragon Star Dojo Graduation
• Dec. 27-30: Ferman 500 Mega Auto Sale
• Dec. 27-Jan. 2:  Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show

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, visit www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.  (Cracker Country will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 24-26.)

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, visit www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225. (Cracker Country will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 24-26.)

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, visit 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 Charlie Lykes Arena.  Immediately following at 7:30 p.m., there are adult and children dog training classes in conformation and obedience.  Please 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. 30 - Dec. 2:  Tampa Trials
Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena and Pony Ring, this Arena Driving Trial (ADT) is a carriage driving event in which three phases of competition take place in an arena.  It consists of dressage, cones, and hazards/obstacles. Friday night kicks off at 7 p.m. with a darby featuring high-speed carriage driving through cones and hazards. The action continues on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with the dressage phase followed by cones. The event concludes on Sunday with hazard competitions starting at 8:45 a.m.  Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants.  Parking and admission are free to spectators.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  For more information, visit www.cypresskeep.com/tampatrials or contact Erika Matulich at 813-982-2200.

Dec. 1:  Christmas in the Country 
Visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of an old-fashioned country Christmas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cracker Country.  Enjoy the holiday traditions of the 19th century through historical interpretations, music, hands-on folk crafts and more.  Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 55 and older and children ages six to 12, and free for children ages five and younger.  Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.   No reservations are needed.  For more information, visit www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.

Dec. 1: Concert - Charliepalooza
The Charliepalooza festival will rock the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday at 2 p.m.  Scheduled to appear on the Dallas Bull stage are Charlie Daniels, Mark Chesnutt, Chris Cagle, Josh Gracin, Keith Anderson, Confederate Railroad, Halfway To Hazard, Jennifer Hanson, James Otto, Whiskey Falls and Lady Antebellum.  Ticket prices are $64.95 and $44.95 for reserved seating and $14.95 for general admission lawn seating.  Prices include sales tax and parking; a Ticketmaster fee or a Box Office service and handling charge may be 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 more information on this event, visit http://charliepalooza.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.

Dec. 1-2: Suncoast Gun Show and Sale
One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center.  The Suncoast Gun Show and Sale features firearms-related accessories including gun parts, gun related tools, knives, cases, locks, cartridge boxes and belts, and ammunition for collectors. Concealed weapons classes cost $40 and will be held both days at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Appointments are not needed for these classes, nor are firearms.  Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and younger are admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult.  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, visit www.suncoastgunshows.com or call Suncoast Gun Collectors at 330-963-6964.

Dec. 2: Concert – 97X Next Big Thing 7
Miller Lite presents the 97X Next Big Thing 7 concert festival featuring sixteen bands on two stages performing at the Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday starting at 10 a.m.  Artists scheduled to perform include The Used, Jimmy Eat World, Rise Against, Angels and Airwaves, Paramore, Coheed & Cambria, Flyleaf, Blue October, Silversun Pickups, and Chevelle on the Miller Lite main stage.  More acts will perform on the State Farm Discover New Rock Stage including Against Me!, Saosin, The Starting Line, The Almost, and Mutemath.  Ticket prices are $73.55 for PIT section general admission; $73.55, $62.85, $46.80 and $41.45 for reserved seating; and $36.10 for general admission lawn seating.  Prices include sales tax and parking; a Ticketmaster fee or a Box Office service and handling charge may be 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 more information on this event, visit http://97xonline.com or call 813-740-2446.

Dec. 8:  Concert – Holiday Shock Show
Twilight Entertainment presents an outdoor, holiday musical event featuring headline performer, SPOTO performing a blend of metal, rock and techno music.  Plus, special guests scheduled to perform include Incient, Nikki B. and Underground.  Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. in the South Beer Dome.  Parental Advisory warning: this show will feature graphic content and may not be suitable for all ages.  Admission is free for the concert; 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, visit www.myspace.com/spotomusic or contact Sasha Beletzky at 813-493-9293.

Dec. 8-9: WAHL Walkabout Tour - Clinton Anderson Down Under Horsemanship
World-renowned trainer and RFD-TV personality Clinton Anderson brings this sensational tour to town at the Charlie Lykes Arena for a two-day equine extravaganza.  Beginning at 8 a.m. on both days, Clinton will demonstrate his world famous colt starting techniques and proven methods for safely and effectively turning a horse's fear and aggression into useful energy.  Clinton will answer questions and be available for autographs of his new book.  Shop and save with special bargains only available to tour attendees.  Adult tickets are $25 each in advance; price is good through Thursday before each tour date.  Tickets purchased at the door, or online Friday, Saturday or Sunday of event weekend, are $50 each.  Children ages 16 and under are free.  Entrance gate opens at 7:15 a.m. both days.  Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance.  To purchase advance tickets, visit www.downunderhorsemanship.com.  For more information, call Cindy Sackett at 435-770-2331.

Dec. 8-9: SouthEast Hunter Jumper Show
Held in the Gran Prix Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, this two-day, three-ring horse competition will feature a $1,000 Double R Supply Mini-Prix, a $1,500 Marshall Sterling child/adult Jumper, and a $500 child/adult Hunter Classic competition.  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, visit www.sehj.com or call the show office at 352-797-7469.

Dec. 8-9: Cheer America Cheer and Dance Competition
Cheerleaders and dancers from nine surrounding counties, ranging in age from five to 15, will get the crowd pumped up as they battle it out at the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. On Saturday, cheerleader performances are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday dancing performances are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Cheerleader registration is $45 in advance or $50 on the day of the event; dancer registration is $35 in advance or $40 on the day of the event.  General admission for spectators is $5 in advance or $10 at the door per person; children three years of age and younger are admitted free.  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 or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.allamericanyouth.org or call 813-964-8805.

Dec. 11: Florida State Fair Authority Board Meeting
The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) will have a board meeting on Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Florida Center.  Agenda items to be discussed will include old and new business; plus reports from the finance, marketing and executive committees.  The public and media are welcome to attend.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance; parking is complimentary for this event.  For more information, contact Kathleen Fisher at 813-627-4221 or e-mail fisherk@doacs.state.fl.us. 

Dec. 13-16: Central Florida Hunter Jumper Show
Various equestrian breeds will come to compete in both flat and jumping classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.  Show hours begin at 8 a.m. daily until completion for this four-day event.  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, visit www.cfhja.com or contact Dani Becker at 813-571-0111. 

Dec. 15-16: Tampa Railfair and Model Train Show & Sale
Train collectors and railroad fans can find over 300 tables of model items in all gauges and railroad antiques for sale in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center.  This is Florida’s largest combination show displaying items for both the “modeler” and “railbuff” all under one roof.  See four large working layouts including the famous Silver Central Scenic working display, plus find train-related parts, accessories and collector items for sale.  Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $7 per adult; children under 12 are admitted free.  A printable discount offer is available online and paid admission is valid for both days.  Only cash will be accepted for admission at the door.  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, visit www.gserr.com or contact Alan Altman at 813-949-7197.
 
Dec. 21: Dragon Star Dojo Graduation
Dragon Star Dojo will hold its martial arts graduation ceremony in the Florida Center at the Fairgrounds.  Ceremony begins promptly at 7 p.m. and concludes around 8:30 p.m.  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, contact Doyle McMahan at 813-662-6400 or visit www.dragonstardojo.com. 

Dec. 27-30: Ferman 500 Mega Auto Sale
Ferman Automotive hosts an exclusive, four-day mega auto sale taking place at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until sunset each evening.  Auto shoppers can select from hundreds of specially priced, pre-owned vehicles with credit union representatives on-hand for fast-lane financing.  Admission and parking are free for this event, compliments of Ferman.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance for this event.  For more information, e-mail Bobby Huerta at bhuerta@fermanmail.net or call 813-695-3356.

Dec. 27-Jan. 2:  Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show 
America’s prestigious Winter Quarter Horse Circuit takes place throughout the entire Bob Thomas Equestrian Center showcasing the 42nd annual Florida Gold Coast Circuit.  This seven-day event attracts quarter horses, their owners, trainers and riders from across the country to compete in English, Western, Driving, Reining, and Trail classes.  Show hours vary by 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, visit www.fqha.net or contact Peg Edmondson at 941-484-4687.
 

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.

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