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 JULY AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. - June 18, 2008. The summer heats up with a variety of spectacular 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 at Cracker Country: Country Tea Time (by reservation only)
- Ongoing monthly on the third Saturday at Cracker Country: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups
- July 3: Cowboys for Patriots Rodeo
- July 3: Concert - The Crue Fest Tour
- July 9: Concert - Dave Matthews Band with Gomez
- July 10-12: Florida State 4-H Horse Show
- July 19-20: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
- July 22: Concert - Poison with Dokken and Sebastian Bach
- July 25: Concert - Brooks & Dunn with Rodney Atkins and James Otto
- July 27: Concert - Unity Tour featuring 311, Snoop Dogg and Fiction Plane
- July 29: Concert - Mayhem Festival
- July 30: Concert - Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick
Please be aware that the 4-H Dog Training Classes regularly held on Tuesday evenings are on break during the summer months and will resume in September. Cracker Country's Afternoons in the Country has been discontinued and a new program will be announced in the near future.
Ongoing weekly at Cracker Country: Country Tea Time (by reservation only)
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. The tea cost is $20 per person and lasts approximately one hour. 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 http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.
Ongoing monthly on the third Saturday at Cracker Country: 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. 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 http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.
July 3: Cowboys for Patriots Rodeo
E-Bar Rodeo Company presents the first annual Cowboys for Patriots Rodeo in the Charlie Lykes Arena at Florida State Fairgrounds. This is a military benefit rodeo with great food and fun for the whole family. See the best bulls and riders in the southeast compete in bull riding and barrel racing. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per ticket, ages 5 and younger enter free or show your active military ID for free admission. 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/ebarrodeocompany or call Kevin Escobar at 813-967-0472.
July 3: Concert - The Crue Fest Tour
The Crue Fest Tour comes to the Ford Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 3 featuring performances by Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX: A.M., Trapt, plus more acts on a second stage. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the concert begins at 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $101 for PIT area general admission standing room only, $81 and $61 for reserved seating, $35.50 for lawn tickets and $99 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets plus applicable fees. 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.
July 9: Concert - Dave Matthews Band with Gomez
Dave Matthews Band with special guest, Gomez, will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Wednesday, July 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $75 and $67.50 for reserved seating or $40 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.
July 10-12: Florida State 4-H Horse Show
Nearly 300 individuals from around the state will compete at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center for the opportunity to be one of the 42 representing Florida at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. The three-day competition begins at 8 a.m. each day and culminates on Saturday evening with awards presented to individuals from each major division. Entry fees and stall charges may apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.animal.ufl.edu/youth/horse or contact Ed Johnson at 352-392-1916.
July 19-20: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper Association hosts a two-day horse competition in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center beginning at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with $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 http://www.sehj.com/ or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469.
July 22: Concert - Poison with Dokken and Sebastian Bach
Poison will perform with special guests, Dokken and Sebastian Bach, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 22. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $51, $41, $33.50 for reserved seating only and a 4-pack of tickets for $69 plus applicable fees. The lawn is closed for this concert. 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.
July 25: Concert - Brooks & Dunn with Rodney Atkins and James Otto
Brooks & Dunn with special guests, Rodney Atkins and James Otto, will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, July 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $58.50 for reserved seating, $33.75 for lawn tickets and $100 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets plus applicable fees. 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.
July 27: Concert - Unity Tour featuring 311, Snoop Dogg and Fiction Plane
The Unity Tour 2008 comes to the Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday, July 27 featuring performances by 311, Snoop Dogg and Fiction Plane. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $55.50 for PIT area general admission standing room only, $45.50 and $35.50 for reserved seating and $88.60 for a 4-pack of reserved seating tickets plus applicable fees. The lawn is closed for this concert. 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.
July 29: Concert - Mayhem Festival
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink presents the Mayhem Festival concert on Tuesday, July 29 at the Ford Amphitheatre featuring performances by Slipknot, Disturbed, Dragonforce, Mastodon, plus nine more acts on two other stages. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the concert begins at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $59.25 for PIT area general admission standing room only, $59.25 and $49.25 for reserved seating, $34.75 for lawn tickets and $94 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets plus applicable fees. All ticket prices are $5 more on the day of the show. 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.
July 30: Concert - Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick
Journey will perform with Heart and Cheap Trick on Wednesday, July 30 at the Ford Amphitheatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $131, $91, $56, and $41 for reserved seating, $31 for lawn tickets and $75 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets plus applicable fees. 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.
For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, please call the main office number at 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 should contact Denise Shreaves at 813-627-4314 or e-mail
shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please call 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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