JAN. 2008 EVENTS AT THE FLORIDA STATE 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 JANUARY AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. – December 18, 2007.  The new year kicks off with a bang featuring some spectacular events taking place in January 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 followed by a detailed event description.  All Cracker Country programs will be closed during the months of January and February. 

• Ongoing weekly on Tuesday evenings: 4-H Dog Training Classes
• Dec. 27-Jan. 2:  Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show
• Jan. 3-8: Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Show
• Jan. 4-6: Country Folk Art Craft Show
• Jan. 16-20: 2008 Florida RV Supershow
• Jan. 23-24: Senior Fun Fest
• Jan. 25-27: Antiques and Collectibles Fair
• Jan. 26-27: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
• Jan. 26-27: Suncoast Sports Festival

Ongoing weekly on Tuesday evenings: 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. in the Charlie Lykes Arena.  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 as it may vary for each 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.  Please call in advance during the week of a holiday to check whether classes will be cancelled that day or scheduled to occur as normal. 

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. 

Jan. 3-8: Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Show
FQHA hosts this annual equestrian competition held throughout the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.  Show hours vary by day; entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants.  Admission and parking are free for spectators.  Participants and 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.

Jan. 4-6: Country Folk Art Craft Show
The ultimate craft show for home decor and more comes to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center showcasing many local and national top artisans.  Shop for a huge array of items for all decorating and gift-giving ideas including handcrafted furniture, garden art, cozy quilts, fabulous florals, traditional and fine art, jewelry, handmade soaps, candles, gourmet delights and much more.  Show hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Adult admission for ages 13 and older is $6 on Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday.  A $1 off admission coupon is available online at www.countryfolkart.com.  A hand stamp readmits visitors to the show for the entire weekend.  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.countryfolkart.com or call 248-634-4151 ext. 626.

Jan. 16-20: 2008 Florida RV Supershow
The Florida RV Trade Association hosts its 23rd annual Florida RV Supershow held throughout the Fairgrounds for five consecutive days.  More than 1,300 RVs will be on display including brand new 2008 models and over 350 indoor and outdoor exhibits with new products, supplies, and accessories for sale. Companies will be on-site offering finance options and insurance for your RV purchase. Attend a free seminar with tips on buying, traveling and camping; plus, enjoy plenty of free entertainment and daily prize giveaways. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults for a two-day pass, children under 16 years of age are admitted free with an adult.  Senior citizens receive $1 off admission on Wednesday.  Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or Bus.  Free shuttle service will be available from remote parking lots to show entrance.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance.  For more information, visit www.frvta.org or call Lesa Colvin at 813-741-0488.

Jan. 23-24: Senior Fun Fest
“Tampa Bay’s Award Winning Senior Magazine” Senior Connection presents another SENIOR FUN FEST event in the Expo Hall for two fun-filled days. There will be over 250 exhibitors including specialized areas for free health & wellness screenings, arts & crafts by Michaels, bingo games for prizes, and a "Grandkids are the Greatest" photo contest. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.  An early morning one-mile fun walk around the Fairgrounds will take place on Thursday at 9 a.m.  Admission and parking are free for this event. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance.  Inside the Expo Hall, the Fair's booth will feature a special promotion for discounted Fair admission tickets and Country Gold Tour concert tickets on Feb. 14 for only $14 for adult tickets -- a combined savings of $6 off gate prices on concert day.  This discount offer is only good for attendees at Senior Fun Fest on these two days and must be purchased on-site during the event.  For more information, visit www.srmagazine.com or call Senior Connection at 813-653-1988.  

Jan. 25-27: Antiques and Collectibles Fair
Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, this event will feature up to 300 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.  Event hours are Friday from 1-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Admission for the special preview on Friday is $12 and weekend admission is $6 per adult or $5 with a discount coupon 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, visit www.21centuryexpo.com or call Jeff Francis at 727-345-6627.

Jan. 26-27: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) hosts a two-day horse show featuring horses and riders competing in Jumper, Marshall and Sterling classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.  Jumper classes start at 8:30 a.m. both days.  There is no set end time; all show rings go until the last horse competes.  Please inquire with the show office for entry fees to participate.  Admission and parking is free for spectators.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  For more information, visit www.pcha-fl.org, e-mail Michelle Drain at pchashowoffice@aol.com  or call 727-546-7664.

Jan. 26-27: Suncoast Sports Festival
Suncoast Gymnastics Academy presents the Suncoast Sports Festival in the Expo Hall.   Coaches and athletes from across the country will participate in sporting competitions including Boys and Girls Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline, Cheerleading, Karate and Tae Kwon Do.  Admission prices for a single day are $12 for adults (ages 18 and older), $8 for children (ages 5-17), and kids under 4 are free.  A weekend admission pass is $17 for adults and $13 for children.  Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance.  Event hours vary by competition category and all registration fees are listed on the event's website.  For more information, visit www.suncoastsportsfest.com or call Arnold Gwinn at 727-919-4149.

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.

###

Your Subscription:
[SUBSCRIPTIONS]