APRIL 2008 EVENTS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. – March 18, 2008. Spring is around the corner with a variety of entertaining indoor and outdoor 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: Cracker Country’s Afternoons in the Country
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 every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. 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, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

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 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. Price is $20 per person and includes admission to Afternoons in the Country; the tea is approximately one hour and is by reservation only. Parking is free for this event; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Please call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours to make a reservation. Cracker Country is closed on all major holidays. For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

Ongoing weekly through May 9: Cracker Country's Spring Home Life Tours
These student tours offer hands-on activities that allow children to experience first-hand life as it was at the turn of the 20th Century. Students will participate in ten history activities including doing chores, learning about spring crops and plants and much more fun all around. The tours run weekly on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through May 9. Admission is $4.50 per student; one adult is admitted free for every 10 students and additional adults are $4.50 each. Reservations are required for these tours. To set up a tour for your school group, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Linda Mahoney at 813-627-4225.

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 experience life as a Florida pioneer. Children will experience what life would have been like for someone their age living in the late 1890s. The two-hour tour begins at 10 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. This program is also offered during the month of June on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Groups should register in advance by e-mail to Linda Mahoney at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225.

April 1-6: Tournament of Champions CSI1 (Winter Equestrian Festival)
Presented by Stadium Jumping, the Tournament of Champions is the culmination of the three-week Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The event consists of amateur-owner, adult amateur, junior, and children competing in jumper and hunter divisions. Event hours vary by day. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission is $5 per day for spectators and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://www.stadiumjumping.com/ or call Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.

April 4-6: Florida Independent Tow Show
This three-day event for the towing and recovery business will showcase trucks and equipment in the Expo Hall and outdoor displays. Vendors will have hands-on demonstrations plus an on-site ride and drive course featuring the latest model chassis from leading truck manufacturers. Event hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free; parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.newfloridatowshow.com/, call 813-323-7891 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

April 4-5: Concert – Paetec Music Tour
The PAETEC Music Tour opens at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa, Fl. with a two-day, phenomenal line-up featuring a distinctive mix of genres including rhythm and blues, jazz, and soul. Artists scheduled to perform on Friday, April 4 are Dr. John (5 p.m.), Dickey Betts & Great Southern (6:30 p.m.), and Boz Scaggs (8:30 p.m.). The music festival continues on Saturday, April 5 with Soulive (5 p.m.), George Benson (7 p.m.) and Al Green (9 p.m.). Doors open at 4 p.m. on both days. Ticket prices are $76, $61, $46 and $26 for reserved seating; and $16 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 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.

April 12: Pet Adoption Expo
Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, the ASPCA and No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County team up to bring over 20 animal rescue groups with hundreds of dogs and cats of all ages, colors and breeds looking for a good home. The event also features tips on pet hurricane preparedness, the "Ask a Veterinarian" booth, and pet products for sale. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this event only. Cash, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are acceptable payment methods for adoption fees. Visitors must enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://www.tampapets.org/ or call Lisa Knight 813-367-2078.

April 12-13: 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. 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 in the show. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://www.pcha-fl.org/, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664.

April 12-13: FPtHA Horse Show
Florida Pinto Horse Association, Inc. (FPtHA) hosts a PtHA/APHA approved Pinto and Paint combined horse show with two judges. Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena, the two-day competition begins at 8:30 a.m. each day. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://www.fptha.com/ or call Michele Franz at 407-349-8855.

April 12-13: JAMfest National Championship
Nearly 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers will take to the stage for JAMfest Nationals in a two-day, cheer and dance competition held in the Expo Hall and Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. Over 70 cheer and dance teams with athletes representing the United States and Canada will compete for awards in their respective all-star and school divisions and for overall Grand Champion awards. Admission is free for spectators. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m. on both days. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus each day. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.jamfest.com/ or call 866-JAM-FEST.

April 15-17 and 21-24: Spring Ag Venture
The Florida State Fair Authority’s Agribusiness Department, in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service and the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, hosts these school tours for third grade students from public, private and home schools in Hillsborough County. Children get the chance to learn about the importance of agriculture in everyday life through these “Ag Venture" tours. From transplanting plants and squeezing oranges, to learning about farm animals first-hand, there’s plenty to engage students in this Florida agriculture experience. Parking is free for school tours and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. All school tours must be booked prior to arrival. For more information on booking an Ag Venture tour, contact the Agribusiness Department at 813-621-7821, ext. 387 or ext. 388.

April 18: FQHA American Quarter Horse Show
The 35th annual American Quarter Horse Show takes place in the Covered Ring and West Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Amateur and youth compete in green western pleasure, green hunter under saddle, green western riding and green trail classes. The show begins at 8 a.m. 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 http://www.fqha.net/ or call Peg Edmondson at 941-484-4687.

April 19: Concert – Avril Lavigne with Boys Like Girls
Avril Lavigne with special guests Boys Like Girls will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, April 19. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $51 for PIT section general admission; $51, $41 and $21 for reserved seating; and $15 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 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.

April 19-20: AHAF Spring Fling
The Arabian Horse Association of Florida (AHAF) hosts this show featuring Arabian and Half-Arabian from region 12 in the southeastern United States. Classes begin at 8 a.m. on both days in the Charlie Lykes Arena and the Pony Ring. Entry fees and stall rental 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 http://ahaflorida.org/ or contact John Gersch at 352-591-1560.

April 19-20: Collector Car Auction
Find the car of your dreams at this two-day, Kruse collector car auction taking place in the Expo Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bid on a Corvette, Camaro, Impala, Monte Carlo, Bel Air, Mustang, Studebaker Regal C5 Coupe, or even a Delorean Gullwing Sports Coupe, just to name a few of the vintage and collectible cars available for purchase. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. Bidder registration fee is $50. Acceptable payment methods for bidding are personal or business check, cash, traveler’s or cashier’s check, or MBNA America auction card. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.kruse.com/ or call 1-800-968-4444.

April 19-20: Hoop It Up 2008 Team Championships
The 20th anniversary of Hoop It Up comes to Tampa as part of a 40-city national basketball tour to be held outdoors at the State Fairgrounds. Participants can enter to compete in 3-on-3 teams where the top 5 of each division qualify for the national championship in Miami, Florida in August. Individuals ages eight and older can register to enter the tournament online at http://www.hoopitup.com/ no later than Monday, April 14 by 5 p.m. Event hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days and admission is free for spectators. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Jay Brennan at 352-585-1574.

April 19-20: Optimist Club Quarter Horse Show
Optimist Club of Tampa hosts this Quarter Horse Show in the Covered Ring and West Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Amateur, youth and novice youth compete in showmanship, hunter under saddle, hunter seat equitation, western pleasure, western riding and trail classes. The show begins at 8 a.m. on both days. 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 http://www.fqha.net/ or call David Parrish at 813-247-8310.

April 19-20: Suncoast Gun Show & Sale
One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. The Suncoast Gun Show and Sale features firearms-related accessories including gun parts, gun-related tools, knives, cases, locks, cartridge boxes and belts, and ammunition for collectors. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and younger are admitted free. All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The fee for the Concealed Weapons/Firearms Safety Course is $40 per person. The classes are offered on both days at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last approximately 2 hours. Appointments are not needed for these classes, nor are firearms. 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 http://www.suncoastgunshows.com/ or call Suncoast Gun Collectors at 330-963-6964.

April 26-27: Buckler’s Craft Fair
The 15th annual Bucklers Craft Fair takes place in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for two days with plenty of shopping for one-of-a-kind creations and hand-made crafts from some of the finest artisans in the nation. Vendors will be selling unique items including folk art, shabby/chic home accessories, jewelry, handcrafted furniture, dolls, homemade fudge, gourmet delights, scrapbooking, red hat items, and much more. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $4 and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. A hand stamp re-admits patrons all weekend for the event. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://www.bucklerpromotions.com/ or call Buckler Promotions at 386-860-0092.

April 26-27: Area “E” 4-H Horse Show
Indian River County will host the 2008 Area “E” 4-H Horse Show bringing together 4-H boys and girls from twelve counties including Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Pinellas, Sarasota, and St. Lucie. Classes begin at 8 a.m. on both days at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit http://indian.ifas.ufl.edu/areashow or call Adam Cletzer at 772-770-5030 ext. 3.

April 27: Concert – Santana with The Derek Trucks Band
Santana with special guest The Derek Trucks Band will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday, April 27. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $71, $56 and $41 for reserved seating; $31 for general admission lawn seating or $80 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets. 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 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.

April 29-30: Florida Building & Facility Maintenance Show
This free two-day trade show features products and services that serve the needs of facility management and maintenance professionals. Attend one of 18 free educational seminars addressing important issues that today’s maintenance and repair operation professionals need to know on topics like energy, technology, regulatory compliance, predictive maintenance, emergency planning and management. This event will be held inside the Expo Hall and the show hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Educational seminars begin at 9 a.m. on both days. To register online to attend this event, visit https://www.expotracshows.com/maintenance/2008/florida. Admission to the show is free and parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit http://maintenanceshows.com/ or call Gene Petre at 321-721-5111.

The Florida State Fair Authority is not responsible for any incorrect or misprinted information regarding events organized by individuals or organizations held on the Fairgrounds property. The event organizer/promoter, not the Fair Authority, is solely responsible for the exhibitors, vendors, or sponsors participating in an event held at the Fairgrounds. All scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 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. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please contact David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003.

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.