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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS 
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821 Fax (813) 740-3505 www.floridastatefair.com
Press Contact: Denise Shreaves at 813-627-4314
[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. – August 17, 2007. As summer comes to a close and autumn quickly approaches, the Florida State Fairgrounds provides a variety of events that guests are sure to fall for in September. Take a look at what’s coming up next month at the Florida State Fairgrounds adjacent to I-4 and U.S. Highway 301 in East 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 Sept. 3-6.
Ongoing monthly on the third Saturday of each month from March through December: Cracker Country’s Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups Aug. 31-Sept. 3: FQHA Annual Horse Show Sept. 3: Labor Day Celebration Sept. 8-9: Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo Sept. 8-9: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show Sept. 12: Concert – Dave Matthews Band Sept. 12-13: Seminole Hard Rock Job Fair Sept. 15: Kaleidoscope Family Festival Sept. 15: SBI Tampa Graduation Sept. 15-16: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show Sept. 21: Concert – Brad Paisley Sept. 22: Youth Agriculture Educational Seminars Sept. 22: Florida PtHA Fall Festival Horse Show Sept. 22: The Flirt Party Sept. 28-30: Country Folk Art Craft Show Sept. 29: Florida 4-H Dog Training Show Sept. 29-30: Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show Sept. 29-30: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Expo Sept. 29-30: Novice Quarter Horse Show & Clinics
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, go online to http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225. (Cracker Country will be closed Sept. 3-6.)
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, go online to http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225. (Cracker Country will be closed Sept. 3-6.) 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, go online to http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225. Aug. 31-Sept. 3: FQHA Annual Horse Show
This four-day quarter horse show for Western and English disciplines will be held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center beginning at 8 a.m. each day. Amateur, open and youth classes will be held for riders beginning with ages eight to senior citizens. Entry fees apply for participants and exhibitors; admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, go online to http://www.fqha.net/ or call Peg Edmondson at 941-484-4687. Sept. 3: Labor Day Celebration
The West Central Florida Federation of Labor (WCFFOL) is hosting a Labor Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center and outdoors at the Fairgrounds. There will be local union exhibits, keynote speakers and special appearances by state and local elected leaders, and musical entertainment provided by union members. Admission is free and open to the public with fun-filled activities planned for the whole family including a classic car & motorcycle show, a water balloon tournament, carnival rides, vendors selling “made in the USA” merchandise, and BBQ food catered by Lupton's. Meal tickets and wristbands for unlimited carnival rides can be purchased in advance for $10 each for union members and their families. If purchased at the event, meal tickets are $15 each and carnival rides are $2 per ticket. 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, call Cheryl Schroeder at 813-740-2233 or e-mail wcffofl@tampabay.rr.com. Sept. 8-9: Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo
Business entrepreneurs who want to open their own franchise or start a home-based business will get to meet face-to-face with representatives from across North America at this two-day business expo held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Save hours of research time and money by attending one of the seminars conducted by some of the industry's leading experts and business owners in an informal, no pressure atmosphere. Seminar topics will include legal considerations when buying a business, lease negotiations, and how to choose and evaluate a franchise. Admission is $10 per person and 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, go online to http://www.floridafranchiseshow.com/ or call Lynn McVey at (800) 891-4859, ext. 400 or e-mail info@nationalevent.com.
Sept. 8-9: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) hosts a two-day horse show featuring horses and riders competing in hunter, equitation and jumper classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Competition begins at 8 a.m. both days for hunter and equitation classes; on Saturday only jumper classes will be held at 9 a.m. 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. To obtain an entry form, go online to http://www.pcha-fl.org/. For more information, call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664 or e-mail pchashowoffice@aol.com.
Sept. 12: CONCERT – Dave Matthews Band
Live Nation presents the Dave Matthews Band with special guest, The Wailers, will perform on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Ford Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $65 for reserved seats or $40 for general admission lawn seats. Prices include sales tax and parking; all tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service and handling charges. There may be a Ticketmaster Fee or a Box Office Service Charge 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. Highway 301 or the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information, go online to http://www.livenation.com/ or call 813-740-2446. Sept. 12-13: Seminole Hard Rock Job Fair
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is looking for talented and energetic rock stars to join their group. A job fair will be held on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Parking is complimentary for this event courtesy of Seminole Hard Rock. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. All other entrances will be closed. For more information, call Carole Thompson at 813-627-7874. Sept. 15: Kaleidoscope Family Festival
Join the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida for the Kaleidoscope Family Festival held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center and outdoors at the Fairgrounds. The event is open to Girl Scouts of all ages, their friends and families, and the general public. Participate in activities including sports, crafts, dance and a climbing wall, or learn about robotics, animals and camping skills. Approximately 100 community partners will offer family-friendly activities plus shop at the Girl Scout Store! Admission and parking are free for this event. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, e-mail Cathy Proses at cproses@gsofsc.org or call 813-262-1764 or toll-free 1-800-881-4475, ext. 210. Sept. 15: SBI Tampa Graduation
Sanford Brown Institute of Tampa will hold its graduation ceremony in the Florida Center at the Fairgrounds. Doors open at 10 a.m. and ceremony begins promptly at 11 a.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, e-mail Rod Kelly at rkelly@sbtampa.com or call 813-393-4286. Sept. 15-16: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
Held in Gran Prix Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, this two-day horse show starts at 8 a.m. on both days. Competitions will be held for children and adult categories in the hunter and jumper divisions and over $3,000 in prizes are to be awarded. For a complete prize list and entry form, go online to http://www.sehj.com/. Entry fees start at $15 and vary based on the entry category. Participants receive a discount on stall rental with pre-registration and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469.
Sept. 21: CONCERT – Brad Paisley
Hershey's presents the Bonfires/Amplifiers Tour featuring Brad Paisley with special guests Rodney Atkins and Taylor Swift in concert on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Ford Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $54 and $34 for reserved seats, $24.25 for general admission lawn seats, or a four-pack of lawn tickets for $75 plus applicable fees. Prices include sales tax and parking; all tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service and handling charges. There may be a Ticketmaster Fee or a Box Office Service Charge 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. Highway 301 or the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information, go online to http://www.livenation.com/ or call 813-740-2446. Sept. 22: Youth Agriculture Educational Seminars
The Florida State Fair Authority is hosting educational seminars in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for all youth interested in participating in livestock competitions at the 2008 Florida State Fair taking place February 7-18, 2008. Seminars will be specifically designed for youngsters planning to enter the swine, sheep, goat, rabbit, diary, beef, dog, llama, and poultry competitions. Starting at 8 a.m., there will be a seminar geared for exhibitors entering for the first time at the State Fair. At 10 a.m. begins the Specie Specific Seminars designed to help returning exhibitors prepare for their State Fair animal project. These will be the only Youth Agriculture educational seminars offered this year. Admission and parking is free. Visitors should enter via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, contact the Fairgrounds Agri-Business department at 813-621-7821 ext. 387 or 388. Sept. 22: Florida PtHA Fall Festival Horse Show
The Florida Pinto Horse Association (FPtHA) hosts a PtHA approved one-day, two-judge horse show series held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Competition begins at 8:30 a.m. both days. Entry fees will apply for participants; admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For registration information, go online to http://www.fptha.com/ or call show management at 813-426-5707. Sept. 22: The Flirt Party
A Degree or Better Production will host an adult mix and mingle party for ages 21 and above in the Florida Center at the Fairgrounds. Beginning at 10 p.m., come flirt and dance the night away with music emceed by DJ Saxwell, plus enjoy light appetizers and drinks. Cover charge is $20 per person plus 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, go online to http://www.adegreeorbetter.com/ or call Morris Martin at 813-385-7352 or Sterling Gibson at 813-857-7573. Sept. 28-30: Country Folk Art Craft Show
Visitors will see top-quality, handcrafted folk arts and crafts by local and national artisan-exhibitors at this show held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Craft lovers will find a huge array of items for all decorating and gift-giving ideas. 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. Admission is $6 on Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Hand stamp readmits patrons for the whole 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, go online to http://www.countryfolkart.com/ or call the show office at 248-634-4151 ext. 626 or e-mail info@countryfolkart.com. Sept. 29: Florida 4-H Dog Training Show
The Hillsborough County 4-H Dog Project will host a dog training show held in the Charlie Lykes Arena from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participants will receive advice on improving their showing skills instead of placements. Classes will be offered in all division classes of Showmanship, Obedience, Rally and Agility. Entry fees may apply for participants; admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, go online to http://www.fl4-h-dog.com/ or e-mail Sally Alford Manning at horsepny@tampabay.rr.com. Sept. 29-30: Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show
Florida Sportsman Magazine will host its 10th annual Fishing and Boat Show in the Expo Hall. The event features seminars, hands-on instruction and demonstrations, kids' activities, fishing boats and a huge indoor tackle sale. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Adult admission is $8; children 12 and younger are admitted free with a parent. Discount admission coupons are available in Florida Sportsman Magazine and on the website http://www.floridasportsman.com/shows/tampa/. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, e-mail Robin Smillie at fsrobin@aol.com. Sept. 29-30: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Expo
Held in Entertainment Hall, national vendors and breeders will be selling reptiles, amphibians, exotic birds, cages and supplies throughout the weekend. There will also be informative seminars given by nationally acclaimed animal handlers and performers. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Adult admission is $8 per person; children five and younger are admitted free. One-day VIP tickets are $10 per person and VIP ticket holders are admitted to shows one hour early on the first show day and receive available samples and coupons from participating vendors. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, go online to http://www.gilaproductions.com/ or call Alex Russell at 919-495-3233 or e-mail alex@gilaproductions.com. Sept. 29-30: Novice Quarter Horse Show & Clinics
Florida Quarter Horse Association (FQHA) will present AQHA approved clinics by professional Florida Horsemen on the subject of horsemanship, showmanship, hunt seat equitation, and trail. Shows hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days and clinics for novice riders will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by AQHA classes at 1 p.m. Open classes are offered to novice riders for horses of any breed; no stallions are allowed at this show. Saturday’s program is for Western classes and Sunday’s program is for English classes. Entry fees vary for participants; admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For the show entry form, go online to http://www.fqha.net/ or call the FQHA show office at 941-484-4687.
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 log on to http://www.floridastatefair.com/ and click on Calendar of Events.
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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