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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a three-day, USEF sanctioned 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 at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and 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 call Dani Becker at 813-839-0111.

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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

Presented by NowWhat.com, the Counting Crows and Maroon 5 will perform with special guest, Augustana, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, October 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices are $157, $76.50, $66.50, and $46.50 for reserved seating, $36.50 for general admission lawn seating and a 4-pack of lawn tickets for $99 plus applicable fees. Prices will 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 the Ford Amphitheatre Box office or online at http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be purchased at all Ticketmaster Outlets or call Ticketmaster to charge tickets by phone at the following phone numbers:

• TAMPA 813-287-8844
• ST.PETE 727-898-2100
• ORLANDO 407-839-3900

Ticketmaster also offers a charge-by-phone number for people with hearing disabilities (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 www.livenation.com or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.

The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a three-day, USEF sanctioned 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 at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and 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 call Dani Becker at 813-839-0111.

Cracker Country hosts their hands-on history tours for youth groups on the first Saturday of every month, except in February, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Give your youth organization the opportunity to learn about the past and become a part of it. Led by knowledgeable historical interpreters, kids can spend the morning experiencing life as a Florida pioneer through hands-on chores and practices of the late 1800's.

The tour cost is $5 for students ages six to twelve and one chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions. Youth groups may stay after the tour to enjoy the new "Discover the Past" program at no additional cost. Reservations are required in advance with a 10-student minimum per group. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

Mini Madness presents its annual SlamFest custom car and truck show featuring over 1,400 custom vehicles on display at the Expo Hall and throughout the Fairgrounds. Activities include a burnout competition, stereo competition, and on-site vendors selling merchandise. Thousands of dollars in giveaways and prizes will be awarded to Best of Show for import car, domestic car, and mini and full size truck/SUV categories.

Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spectator admission is $15 per person each day; children 12 and under are free. Vehicle registration is $40 in advance before Sept. 25, or $50 on the day of show. Parking is $5 for cars and $10 for RVs and buses. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance.

For more information, call the Slamfest hotline at 941-366-9123 or visit online www.minimadness.com to download the vehicle or vendor entry form.

Offered on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except in February), this new program lets you imagine what it was like for settlers of rural Florida in 1898. Use your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to relive this time from Florida's past. This event is a fun way for families to spend an enjoyable day together by learning new activities like churning butter and tasting it, making a rope, spinning wool into yarn, or help to plant crops.

Adult admission is $6, children ages six to 12 years old and senior citizens enter for $5, and kids five and under are admitted free. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Reservations are not needed for this event.

For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The homecoming dance for Tampa Bay Technical High School students will be held in the Florida Center and Botanical Gardens from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Parking is $5 for cars and $10 for RVs and buses. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance.

For more information and ticket prices, call Niki Lockett at 813-744-8360.

The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a three-day, USEF sanctioned 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 at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and 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 call Dani Becker at 813-839-0111.

Mini Madness presents its annual SlamFest custom car and truck show featuring over 1,400 custom vehicles on display at the Expo Hall and throughout the Fairgrounds. Activities include a burnout competition, stereo competition, and on-site vendors selling merchandise. Thousands of dollars in giveaways and prizes will be awarded to Best of Show for import car, domestic car, and mini and full size truck/SUV categories.

Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spectator admission is $15 per person each day; children 12 and under are free. Vehicle registration is $40 in advance before Sept. 25, or $50 on the day of show. Parking is $5 for cars and $10 for RVs and buses. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance.

For more information, call the Slamfest hotline at 941-366-9123 or visit online www.minimadness.com to download the vehicle or vendor entry form.

Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Rabbit Barn at the Fairgrounds, the Hillsborough County 4-H Dog Project holds dog training classes for 4-H members (ages 8-18) in obedience, rally and junior showmanship. Additionally at 7 p.m., adult and children dog training classes in obedience and conformation are offered to the public. Class dates and locations can vary, so please inquire in advance for the current class schedule, fees, and building location as location may vary by week. Parking is free for these classes; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information on 4-H classes, contact Sally Alford Manning by e-mail horsepny@tampabay.rr.com. For more information on the adult and children dog training classes, contact Shelby Stevens by e-mail kibetsyork@aol.com or call 813-685-6684.

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.

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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) will have a Board Meeting on Monday at 1 p.m. in the Florida Center. Agenda items to be discussed will include old and new business; plus reports from the finance and marketing committees. The public and media are welcome to attend. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance; parking is complimentary for this event.

For more information, e-mail Kathleen Fisher at fisherk@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4221.

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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

The National Street Rod Association presents its 21st annual Southeast Nationals showcasing over 1,600 specialty vehicles throughout the Fairgrounds property with indoor and outdoors displays. This three-day event will include kids games, a special Women’s World area with arts and crafts, free safety inspections, model car display, vintage automobile swap meet with cars and parts, model car contest and lip sync contest. More than 100 manufacturers and dealers of specialty automotive equipment will be selling their products, accessories and supplies.

Public event hours are Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission tickets are $14 for adults ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages six to 12, and free for children 5 and younger when accompanied by an adult. A $2 discount off admission is available for anyone 60 years of age and older, military personnel with proper ID, and NSRA members with a current membership card. Tickets may be purchased at the event only. 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.nsra-usa.com or call NSRA at 901-452-4030.

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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

The Tampa Women's Council of Realtors and GTAR International Council will host a casino night fundraiser for members-only in the Equestrian Pavilion starting at 6 p.m. Wear your jeans and cowboy hat for a wild west throwdown showdown with a Texas hold'em tournament, dinner, live music, dancing and a Chinese auction. Tickets are $35 per person or $80 with tournament entry. Purchase tickets online at http://wcrtampa.com or call 813-633-2666 ext. 1 for more information. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

Martina McBride will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, October 10 with special guests, Jack Ingram and Jason Michael Carroll.

Ticket prices are $54.50, $39.50 and $18.75 for reserved seating only; the lawn is closed for this concert. A four-pack of reserved tickets is $55 plus applicable fees. Prices will 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 the Ford Amphitheatre Box office or online at http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be purchased at all Ticketmaster Outlets or call Ticketmaster to charge tickets by phone at the following phone numbers:

• TAMPA 813-287-8844
• ST.PETE 727-898-2100
• ORLANDO 407-839-3900

Ticketmaster also offers a charge-by-phone number for people with hearing disabilities (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 www.livenation.com or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.

The National Street Rod Association presents its 21st annual Southeast Nationals showcasing over 1,600 specialty vehicles throughout the Fairgrounds property with indoor and outdoors displays. This three-day event will include kids games, a special Women’s World area with arts and crafts, free safety inspections, model car display, vintage automobile swap meet with cars and parts, model car contest and lip sync contest. More than 100 manufacturers and dealers of specialty automotive equipment will be selling their products, accessories and supplies.

Public event hours are Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission tickets are $14 for adults ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages six to 12, and free for children 5 and younger when accompanied by an adult. A $2 discount off admission is available for anyone 60 years of age and older, military personnel with proper ID, and NSRA members with a current membership card. Tickets may be purchased at the event only. 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.nsra-usa.com or call NSRA at 901-452-4030.

The Florida Pinto Horse Association, Inc. (FPtHA) will host a two-day, Pinto and Paint combined showbill that is PtHA/APHA approved with two judges. Held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the show starts at 8:30 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 more information, visit www.fptha.com or call Michele Franz at 407-721-0755.

Mary J. Blige will perform with special guests, Robin Thicke and David Young, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $91.75, $61.75 and $51.75 for reserved seating only; 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 the Ford Amphitheatre Box office or online at http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be purchased at all Ticketmaster Outlets or call Ticketmaster to charge tickets by phone at the following phone numbers:

• TAMPA 813-287-8844
• ST.PETE 727-898-2100
• ORLANDO 407-839-3900

Ticketmaster also offers a charge-by-phone number for people with hearing disabilities (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.

The National Street Rod Association presents its 21st annual Southeast Nationals showcasing over 1,600 specialty vehicles throughout the Fairgrounds property with indoor and outdoors displays. This three-day event will include kids games, a special Women’s World area with arts and crafts, free safety inspections, model car display, vintage automobile swap meet with cars and parts, model car contest and lip sync contest. More than 100 manufacturers and dealers of specialty automotive equipment will be selling their products, accessories and supplies.

Public event hours are Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission tickets are $14 for adults ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages six to 12, and free for children 5 and younger when accompanied by an adult. A $2 discount off admission is available for anyone 60 years of age and older, military personnel with proper ID, and NSRA members with a current membership card. Tickets may be purchased at the event only. 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.nsra-usa.com or call NSRA at 901-452-4030.

The Florida Pinto Horse Association, Inc. (FPtHA) will host a two-day, Pinto and Paint combined showbill that is PtHA/APHA approved with two judges. Held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the show starts at 8:30 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 more information, visit www.fptha.com or call Michele Franz at 407-721-0755.

The Florida State Fair Foundation will host its 3rd annual charitable golf tournament at the Club Renaissance in Sun City Center on Monday, October 13. Registration begins at 11 a.m. followed by lunch, a putting contest and a shotgun start. It finishes with a dinner and an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Cost per player is $150 and includes entry into the putting contest, lunch and dinner tickets. Team registration is also available for a minimum of four golfers. Sponsorship opportunities start at $150.

Funds raised by this annual tournament support the Fair Authority’s educational programs offered to students to learn about agriculture, Florida’s rural history, youth fine arts and competitive events.

Click here to download the registration form. Sign up to participate as a player or contribute as a sponsor. For more information, call Bill Bullock at 813-627-4215.

Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Rabbit Barn at the Fairgrounds, the Hillsborough County 4-H Dog Project holds dog training classes for 4-H members (ages 8-18) in obedience, rally and junior showmanship. Additionally at 7 p.m., adult and children dog training classes in obedience and conformation are offered to the public. Class dates and locations can vary, so please inquire in advance for the current class schedule, fees, and building location as location may vary by week. Parking is free for these classes; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information on 4-H classes, contact Sally Alford Manning by e-mail horsepny@tampabay.rr.com. For more information on the adult and children dog training classes, contact Shelby Stevens by e-mail kibetsyork@aol.com or call 813-685-6684.

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.

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. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

A group reservation is required in advance to attend. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

The Brandon Foundation's 1st annual ROCK, RIB & RIDE FESTIVAL, sponsored by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, will be held on October 16-19, 2008 throughout the Fairgrounds. This family-friendly event will have tantalizing fair food, midway rides and games, music, entertainment, commercial vendors, and free tours and hands-on activities at the Cracker Country historical museum. There will be several musical acts performing each day including country superstar Neal McCoy and '60s rock band, Blue Oyster Cult have been confirmed as festival headliners. Special events during the festival include a rib tasting competition, charity poker run, a celebrity fashion show, a wine & food gala, and a women's business expo on Sunday.

Festival event hours are Thursday from 4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cracker Country will be open on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $8 for ages 12 and older, $5 for children ages three to 11 and kids two and under are free. All musical entertainment is included in the admission price. Parking charge is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance.

Since the Hillsborough County School District observes Friday, October 17 as a scheduled day off for students, event organizers hope families will enjoy in the festivities while school is out. Each student from Hillsborough County will receive one free admission ticket distributed through the public schools in county the week prior to the event.

The Brandon Foundation will use the funds raised from the festival and charitable events throughout the weekend to benefit families in need residing in the greater Brandon community. For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683.

The weekend schedule of special events is as follows: