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, and a wine & food gala.
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:
EVENT
DATE & TIME
PRICE
DETAILS
POKER RUN
Sat., Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$15 per person
Price includes first poker hand, t-shirt and patch, and festival admission ticket.
RIB TASTING COMPETITION sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society
Sat., Oct. 18 during the day
$600 entry fee for competitors
Festival visitors can buy a $10 "piggy bucks" ticket to sample the various BBQ foods from participants. The competitor entry fee includes festival tickets, parking pass, assigned space, electricity, water, and souvenir pins and apron. Participants compete for the grand champion prize. Prizes will also be awarded for the best rib sauce and baked beans entry. Limited to 50 teams for the competition.
"Listen to Your Heart" CELEBRITY FASHION SHOW
Sat., Oct. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
$100 per person
Location: Florida Center & Botanical Gardens building. Price includes lunch and a beverage or a special mimosa drink. VIP/Sponsor table reservations are available.
Southern Charm WINE & FOOD GALA
Sat., Oct. 18 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (VIPs/Sponsors enter early at 6 p.m.)
$75 per person /$125 per couple
Location: Florida Center & Botanical Gardens building. Price includes gourmet wines and complimentary food pairings. Enjoy a "Tuscany" experience with live music and a silent auction. VIP/Sponsor table reservations are available.
Calendar of Events 
