FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

BRONSON ANNOUNCES VETERAN LAWMAKER TO EMCEE STATE FAIR LUNCHEON

4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821             Fax (813) 740-3505             http://www.floridastatefair.com/

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. — February 7, 2008.  Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson is announcing that long time State Representative Marsha L. “Marty” Bowen will emcee the Florida State Fair Opening Day Luncheon on February 7.  Bronson will also present the 2007 Woman of the Year in Agriculture award at the luncheon.

“I am extremely pleased that a longtime lawmaker and friend who has done so much to protect and promote agriculture in this state has agreed to serve as master of ceremonies,” Bronson said.  “Representative Bowen will help not only kick off this year’s Florida State Fair, but also honor another woman who has also made outstanding contributions to agriculture.”
 
The luncheon honors agriculture as the backbone of America and recognizes one distinguished woman’s exceptional accomplishments in the industry.  Bronson proudly presents the 2007 award to Colleen Boggs of Homestead, Florida. Her interest in botany dates back many years and her experience in agriculture is legendary. Boggs has overcome major setbacks from hurricanes impacting her nursery business to become a major exporter of fruit and trees. To see a biography on Colleen Boggs, the 2007 Woman of the Year in Agriculture, please visit www.floridaagriculture.com/agwoman/boggs.htm.

Hundreds of community leaders and dignitaries have pre-registered for the luncheon, which will be held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Media wishing to cover the luncheon must contact fair officials for credentials in order to access the event.

All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices, and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.  Fair gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 11; and free for children five and younger.  NO RE-ENTRY is permitted without an admission ticket.  Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and parking is free during the 12 days of the Fair. 

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located just seven miles east of downtown Tampa, with easy access via I-75, I-4, U.S. Highway 301, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, and Orient Road.  For more information about the 2008 Florida State Fair, call toll-free (800) 345-FAIR or (813) 621-7821, visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/ or http://myspace.com/floridastatefair.

The 104th annual Florida State Fair will take place on February 7-18, 2008.  The Florida State Fair – always in Tampa and always in February – is organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership of 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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For media inquiries, please contact:
Denise Shreaves:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Manager of Marketing & Public Relations
Florida State Fair Authority
Phone (813) 627-4314 / Cell (813) 732-0141
 
OR

Vince Caruso:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marketing Director 
Florida State Fair Authority
Phone (813) 627-4222 / Cell (813) 477-3146