Florida State Fair

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. – February 27, 2008. The Fairgrounds continues to be a busy place for fantastic events after the Florida State Fair concludes. Enjoy a bevy of entertainment taking place on the Fairgrounds property adjacent to I-4 and U.S. Highway 301 in eastern Hillsborough County.

Ongoing weekly: Cracker Country’s Afternoons in the Country
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 every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. 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 http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

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 http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

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 experience life as a Florida pioneer. Children will experience what life would have been like for someone their age living in the late 1890s. The two-hour tour begins at 10 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. This program is also offered during the month of June on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Groups should register in advance by e-mail to Linda Mahoney at mahonel@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

Feb. 29-March 2: Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo & Boat Show
The 17th annual Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo and Boat Show, hosted by Frank Sargeant, is Florida’s largest outdoors family event featuring the latest in fishing and hunting gear, boats, and a variety of outdoor products and services held in the Expo and Entertainment Hall. Along with a kid’s fishing derby, there will be numerous demonstrations and seminars each day. Show hours are Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free on Friday only, courtesy of Southern Ford Dealers. On Saturday and Sunday admission is $8 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.tbo.com/ and search for keyword: Outdoors Expo, or call Fran Solomon at 813-259-7376.

March 1-2: Suncoast Gun Show & 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. 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. All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Concealed Weapons/Firearms Safety Course fee is $40 per person. The classes are offered on both days at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last approximately 2 hours. Appointments are not needed for these classes, nor are firearms. 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 http://www.suncoastgunshows.com/ or call Suncoast Gun Collectors at 330-963-6964.

March 1-2: Josey’s Clinic
This two-day barrel racing event takes place in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Event 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, call Stephanie Boyd at 903-935-5358.

March 4: Concert – Three Days Grace with Breaking Benjamin and Seether
Three Days Grace with Breaking Benjamin and Seether will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $36 and $32.50 for reserved seating only. 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 http://www.livenation.com/ and http://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://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.

March 4-8, 2008: Tampa Charity Horse Show
The Tampa Charity Horse Show has been one of the Tampa area's most prestigious equestrian events. Event hours vary during the day and evening sessions start at 6:30 p.m. in the Charlie Lykes Arena. This show is operated in accordance with the current rules of the USEF sanctioning body. It is Rated A: Morgan, Roadster Pony, 3-Gaited, 5-Gaited, Pleasure, Fine Harness, Roadster Horse; and Rated C: Hackney Pony, Harness Pony, and Pleasure Pony Driving. In addition, there will be Friesian classes and a carriage driving 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 http://www.tampahorseshows.org/ or call Becky Buffington at 813-926-6974.

March 7-9: Spring 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 spring home show will highlight the latest in energy-efficient products. Visitors can check out high performance energy-saving devices that can cut down on power bills. 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 pay $7 each, and children under 12 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. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.bighomeshow.com/ or call Turner Exposition at 813-677-6925.

March 7-9: Tampa Gem, Jewelry & Bead Show
Held in the Florida Center, this show will feature more than 40 exhibitors selling fine gold and silver jewelry, beads, minerals, gemstones, and more. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per adult and wholesalers with proper ID are admitted free. With each paid admission, visitors receive a $5 off coupon for purchases above $25 with a participating exhibitor. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Parking is $5 for cars and $10 for RVs and buses. For more information, visit http://www.aksshow.com/ or call 504-455-6101.

March 8: Concert – WILD Splash 08
The WILD Splash 08 concert festival featuring multiple artists will rock the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday starting at 4 p.m. Artists scheduled to perform include Wyclef Jean with Beenie Man, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Baby Bash, Trina, Treal, J Holiday, Grind Mode, and more. Ticket prices are $52 for PIT section general admission; $52, $42 and $29 for reserved seating; and $20 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 http://www.livenation.com/ and http://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://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.

March 8-9: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Expo
Held in Entertainment Hall, national breeders and vendors will be selling reptiles, amphibians, exotic birds, cages and supplies throughout the weekend. Enjoy one of the live animal shows by Roark Ferguson, Larry the Birdman and Croc Encounters. There will also be informative seminars given by nationally acclaimed animal handlers. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $8 and children five and under are admitted free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.gilaproductions.com/, e-mail alex@gilaproductions.com or call Alex Russell at 919-495-3233.

March 8-9: Fossil Fest
The Tampa Bay Fossil Club hosts its annual Fossil Fest in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Visitors can see fossils from around the world, artifacts, gems and minerals, exhibits and displays. Guests can attend educational lectures, a silent auction, dig in the youth fossil mine, or participate in children's games. Event hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free when 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 http://www.tampabayfossilclub.com/ or contact Mike Searle by e-mail fossilnerd@msn.com or call 813-909-9358.

March 8-9: Antiques and Collectibles Fair
Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, this event will feature nearly 100 dealers from across the nation. Thousands of items will be available for purchase including all types of antiques, collectibles, artwork, furniture, jewelry, automobilia, Floridiana, Florida Highwaymen paintings, silver, crystal, coins, stamps, architectural items and much more. Event hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekend admission is $6 per adult or $5 with a discount coupon per person. Seniors are admitted for $5 and children under 12 are free with an accompanying 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 http://www.21centuryexpo.com/ or call Jeff Francis at 727-345-6627.

March 11-May 9: Cracker Country's Spring Home Life Tours
These student tours offer hands-on activities that allow children to experience first-hand life as it was at the turn of the 20th Century. Students will participate in ten history activities including doing chores, learning about spring crops and plants and much more fun all around. The tours run weekly on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through May 9. Admission is $4.50 per student; one adult is admitted free for every 10 students and additional adults are $4.50 each. Reservations are required for these tours. To set up a tour for your school group, e-mail mahonel@doacs.state.fl.us or call Linda Mahoney at 813-627-4225.

March 13-15: Sermon on the Mount
Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena, this three-day equestrian program uses Biblical principles to demonstrate loving, successful horse and trainer interaction including demonstrations on how a trainer's character wins a horse's trust. The presentation starts at 7 p.m. each evening and includes a kids program suitable for ages five to 12. On Saturday, a horsemanship clinic takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration and fees are required to attend the Saturday clinic; contact Judy Price at 813-967-4209 to register for this clinic. Admission and parking are free for spectators wishing to attend the evening presentations. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, call 813-473-3963 or 813-754-6974.

March 15-16: All American National Championships
Spirit Cheer hosts this two-day cheer and dance competition at the Expo and Entertainment Hall. Teams and individuals will compete in various routines; doors open at 8 a.m. each day. Adult admission is $25 per day or $35 for a two-day pass, students ages four to 17 pay $15 per day or $20 for a two-day pass, children ages three and under enter free with an adult. Registration fees vary based on the competition. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus each day. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.spiritcheer.com/ or call Mike Pare at 888-716-2287.

March 15-16: Florida State Fair Foundation Charity Horse Show
The Florida State Fair Foundation hosts its 2nd annual charity horse show with English and Western competitions held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian. Proceeds from the event go to scholarships and education programs for Hillsborough county FFA students. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Event 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, call Amy Uniss at 813-621-7821 ext. 217.

March 16: Concert – Toby Mac and Jeremy Camp with Matthew West
Toby Mac and Jeremy Camp with Matthew West will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $46, $36 and $26 for reserved seating only. 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 http://www.livenation.com/ and http://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://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.

March 19-23: Suncoast Internationale (Winter Equestrian Festival)
Hunter and jumper competitions for adult amateur and junior competitors commence a three-week long Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Show hours vary by day. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission is $5 per day for spectators and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://www.stadiumjumping.com/ or call Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.

March 20-22: Woodworking Shows
Take your craftsmanship to the next level by attending this three-day woodworking event showcasing national and local exhibitors in the Expo Hall. Find the latest in tools and techniques for woodworkers and DIY'ers. Over 30 free classes, demos and hands-on clinics every day. Show hours are Thursday from 12 to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $9 for ages 13 and older and free for children 12 and younger. Visit http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/ website for a discount admission coupon or to register for a seminar. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, e-mail info@thewoodworkingshows.com or call 800-826-8257.

March 26-30: Tampa Bay Classic CSI3*-W (Winter Equestrian Festival)
Presented by Stadium Jumping, the world's best international show jumpers and top hunters compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Event hours vary by day. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission is $5 per day for spectators and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://www.stadiumjumping.com/ or call Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.

March 29: Cracker Country’s Spring Community Social
Cracker Country hosts a spring gathering reminiscent of when rural communities came together throughout the year to socialize, celebrate and work. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore Cracker Country’s historic buildings, shop at the Terry Store and enjoy a day of games, gardens and fun. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 55 and above and children ages six to 12, and free for kids five and younger. Groups of 15 or more should register in advance by calling Linda Mahoney at 813-627-4225 or e-mail mahonel@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation. Parking is free; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, call 813-627-4225 or visit http://www.crackercountry.org/.

March 30: Lowrider Magazine Car Show
Candy-painted customized cars, live entertainment and a hydraulics competition take car hopping to a new level at the Expo and Entertainment Hall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $30 for adults; children 10 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult. Avoid the lines and buy advance tickets online at http://www.lowridermagazine.com/lowridertour/0802_lowrider_magazine_tour/index.html. Advance registration fee (by March 7) is $25 for show vehicles and $20 for bikes. Day of show registration is $50 for show vehicles and $30 for bikes. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.lowridermagazine.com/ or call 714-939-2441.

The Florida State Fair Authority is not responsible for any incorrect or misprinted information regarding events organized by individuals or organizations held on the Fairgrounds property. The event organizer/promoter, not the Fair Authority, is solely responsible for the exhibitors, vendors, or sponsors participating at an event held at the Fairgrounds. All scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.

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. 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. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please contact David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003.

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.