4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821 Fax (813) 740-3505 http://www.floridastatefair.com/
MAY 2008 EVENTS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. - April 17, 2008. Enjoy the splendid spring weather with a variety of entertaining indoor and outdoor events taking place on the Fairgrounds property 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.
- Ongoing weekly through December - Cracker Country programs: Afternoons in the Country and Country Tea Time
- Ongoing monthly on the third Saturday and weekly in June: Cracker Country's Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups
- Ongoing weekly on Tuesday evenings: 4-H Dog Training Classes
- May 3: Concert – Eric Clapton with Robert Randolph & The Family Band
- May 3-4: Cheer America Competitions
- May 3-4: Southeast Hunter Jumper Show
- May 5: Concert – Kanye West with Rihanna, N.E.R.D., and Lupe Fiasco
- May 6: Concert – Radiohead
- May 9: Concert – Tim McGraw with Jason Aldean and Halfway to Hazard
- May 10-11: Bead Mercantile Show
- May 10-11: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
- May 15: Taste of Brandon Business Expo
- May 16-18: Tampa Bay Boat Show & Sale
- May 16-18: Central Florida Hunter Jumper Show
- May 17-18: Body, Mind & Spirit Expo
- May 17: Florida 4-H Scholarship Dog Show and Quiz Bowl Competition
- May 22-25: 2008 Spectrum International Paso Fino Show
- May 25: Concert – Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker
- May 28-June 4: Hillsborough County High School Graduations
- May 30-31: Special Olympics of Florida - State Equestrian Sports Championship
- May 31: Spring Gaited Classic Horse Show
Ongoing weekly: Cracker Country's Afternoons in the Country
Visitors can relive 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 business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cracker Country is closed on all major holidays. For more information, visit online
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 starting at 1:30 p.m. or 3 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. The tea is approximately one hour and is by reservation only. Please call 813-627-4225 to make a reservation on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Cracker Country is closed on all major holidays. For more information, visit online
www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.
Ongoing monthly on the third Saturday and weekly in June: Cracker Country's Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups
If you are looking for an educational field trip for a summer camp or daycare youth group, consider a tour to Cracker Country. Kids can participate in a unique experience and relive life as a Florida pioneer through these summer tours. Children will learn what life would have been like for someone their age living in the late 1890s through hands-on activities including churning butter, hand washing clothes, or even learning an 1898 school lesson. These two-hour tours are offered during the month of June only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting at 9 a.m. On the third Saturday of each month through December, the two-hour tour begins at 10 a.m. The tour cost is $4.50 per person and one chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions. Reservations are required in advance with a 10-person minimum per group. The number of reservations is limited, so reserve a spot now before openings fill up. For reservations, e-mail Linda Mahoney at
mahonel@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free for these tours; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online
www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.
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. 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. 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. 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.
May 3: Concert – Eric Clapton with Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Eric Clapton with special guests Robert Randolph & The Family Band will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $131, $91, $76 and $55.50 for reserved seating or $35.50 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 people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online
http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.
May 3-4: Cheer America Competitions
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 in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. On Saturday and Sunday, cheerleader performances take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cheerleader registration is $45 in advance or $50 on the day of the event. General admission for spectators is $5 in advance or $10 at the door per person; children ages three and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit online
www.allamericanyouth.org or call 813-964-8805.
May 3-4: Southeast Hunter Jumper Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper Association hosts a two-day horse competition held in Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with over $3,000 in prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online
www.sehj.com or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469.
May 5: Concert – Kanye West with Rihanna, N.E.R.D., and Lupe Fiasco
Kanye West with special guests Rihanna, N.E.R.D., and Lupe Fiasco will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Monday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $131, $96, $76, $66 and $46 for reserved seating or $36 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 people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online
http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.
May 6: Concert – Radiohead
Radiohead will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $61 and $51 for reserved seating or $38.50 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 people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online
http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.
May 9: Concert – Tim McGraw with Jason Aldean and Halfway to Hazard
Tim McGraw with special guests Jason Aldean and Halfway to Hazard will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $65.50 for reserved seating or $35.50 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 people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online
http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.
May 10-11: Bead Mercantile Show
This two-day bead and jewelry shopping extravaganza will be held in the Florida Center & Botanical Gardens. Visitors can find an assortment of beads, pendants and gemstones from all over the world, tools and other items for their bead and jewelry making needs. Plus, attend a class to learn how to make or enhance your own jewelry. Event hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is FREE for all ages; please inquire about individual class fees. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online
www.beadmercantile.com, e-mail
showinfo@beadmercantile.com or call 423-639-4942.
May 10-11: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) will host a two-day, non-rated horse show featuring horses and riders competing in both hunter and jumper classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Please check with the show office for show times for each day. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online
www.pcha-fl.org; e-mail
pchashowoffice@aol.com or call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664.
May 15: Taste of Brandon Business Expo
Hosted by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, this popular annual event showcases the best businesses and foods of eastern Hillsborough County. Visitors will have the chance to sample delicious foods and explore local business exhibits from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Advance tickets are available for $10 online at
www.brandonchamber.com or in person at the Chamber's office. Tickets are $15 at the door. Admission includes a beverage ticket, entry for prize drawings and vote in the "Taste Off" contest. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online
www.brandonchamber.com or call the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce at 813-689-1221.
May 16-18: Tampa Bay Boat Show & Sale
The St. Petersburg Times will host a spectacular, three-day boat sale featuring millions of dollars in new boats and watercraft on display in the Expo Hall and Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. Visitors can shop for the boat of their dreams, check out special displays with the latest in products and accessories for boating enthusiasts, and much more. Event hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE for all ages. 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 online
www.tampabayboatsale.com, e-mail
dlabell@sptimes.com or call Dave LaBell at 727-893-8523.
May 16-18: Central Florida Hunter Jumper Show
The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a three-day, USEF licensed horse show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Hunter and jumper competitions for children and adult divisions begin at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. 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 online
www.cfhja.com or contact Dani Becker at 813-571-0111.
May 17-18: Body, Mind & Spirit Expo
The largest traveling health and wellness expo comes to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for a two-day event. Visitors can see nearly 60 holistic exhibitors, 40 informative seminars included with admission, engage in activities such as massage therapy or experience a psychic reading. Specialty crystals, aromatherapy, healthy living products, clothing, jewelry, and more will be available for purchase. Event hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person for the entire weekend and children ages 10 and younger are admitted free. Get a $2 off admission coupon available online at
www.bmse.net and view other savings from select exhibitors. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online
www.bmse.net, e-mail
mollie@bmse.net or call Mollie Haskell at 541-482-3722.
May 17: Florida 4-H Scholarship Dog Show and Quiz Bowl Competition
The 4-H dog show allows Florida 4-H members the opportunity to compete against their peers in showmanship, obedience, rally and agility. Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena, the quiz bowl competition begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 4-H dog show will start at 10:30 a.m. Contestants will be tested on their dog knowledge in a fun and educational competition. Sponsorships and donations for this show will benefit the new Florida 4-H Dog Project Scholarship Fund. The Florida 4-H Dog Project intends to establish an annual $1,000 scholarship to be administered by the Florida 4-H Foundation, Inc. Parking and admission are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit
www.fl4-h-dog.com; e-mail
horsepny@tampabay.rr.com or call Sally Alford at 813-967-1931.
May 22-25: 2008 Spectrum International Paso Fino Show
The Florida Paso Fino Horse Association hosts this four-day AP/USEF "C" rated, double-pointed show in the Charlie Lykes Arena at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Shows begin at 8 a.m. each 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 complete show information, visit online
www.floridapfha.org or call the show secretary at 352-302-9128.
May 25: Concert – Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker
The Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $121, $81, $51, and $33 for reserved seating or $26 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 people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online
http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.
May 28-June 4: Hillsborough County High School Graduations
The School District of Hillsborough County will hold senior graduation ceremonies for 14 area high schools in the Expo Hall beginning May 28 through June 4. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For a complete listing of schools and commencement times for each graduation ceremony, please contact Barbara Leon by e-mail at
barbara.leon@sdhc.k12.fl.us or call 813-272-4076.
May 30-31: Special Olympics of Florida - State Equestrian Sports Championship
More than 100 Special Olympics athletes will participate in equestrian competitions held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Opening ceremonies take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m., followed by competitions that start at 7:30 p.m. and continue on Saturday at 9 a.m. Events include Dressage, English Equitation, Stock Seat Equitation, Working Trails, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Showmanship at Halter or Bridle, and Unified Sports Drill Team. 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
http://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/content/view/42/80/ or call 352-243-9536.
May 31: Spring Gaited Classic Horse Show
The Florida Rocky Mountain Horse Association hosts this "A" rated horse show sanctioned by Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH). The show begins at 9 a.m. in the Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. All classes are restricted to horses at least three years old for open gaited breed classes of Country Pleasure and Trail Pleasure. Entry fees and stall rental charges may 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 online
http://www.rmha.net/SpringGaitedClassic.html or call Kathy Parrish at 352-406-1395.
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 visit
http://www.floridastatefair.com/ and click on the Calendar of Events. Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Media wishing to cover a Fairgrounds event, please contact Denise Shreaves at 813-627-4314 or e-mail
shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please contact David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003. Media 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 (FSFA) is not responsible for any incorrect or misprinted information regarding events held on the Fairgrounds property which are not organized or managed by the FSFA. The event organizer, not the FSFA, is solely responsible for the advertising and management of 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.
The Florida State Fair Authority is a non-profit organization which operates primarily from revenues generated from the annual State Fair and other ongoing operations during the year. Presently, the FSFA does not receive any state tax appropriations from Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, nor the State of Florida. The FSFA operates the Florida State Fairgrounds year-round in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority Board, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.
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