FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

4-H & FFA STUDENTS COMPETE FOR CHAMPION YOUTH AMBASSADOR TITLE

- Youth Ambassadors tout Fair Livestock Programs -

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. — January 21, 2008.  The Florida State Fair’s Agribusiness Department will name six young, outgoing and well-informed students “Champion Youth Ambassadors” for the 2008/2009 year at the “Champion of Champions” Dinner on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center building.  These outstanding individuals will serve as official representatives of the Fair's livestock programs, touting their benefits and opportunities to potential exhibitors, sponsors and the general public throughout the upcoming year.

The battle to become an Ambassador is a tough one.  Throughout the 12 days of the Florida State Fair, 4-H and FFA students exhibit animals in Steer, Swine, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Goat, Rabbit and Poultry competitions. On the Fair’s final day at 3 p.m., the top four exhibitors in each category participate in the final competition in the “Champion of Champions Contest”, a round robin question and answer competition on all eight species.  A total of six youngsters are then selected to become the official Champion Youth Ambassadors for the following year, with the top finisher in the finals named the “Champion of Champions”!

"The Champion Youth Ambassador Program grows with more and more participants each year,” said Lynann Hudson, Agribusiness Program Coordinator.  “It is amazing to see the passion these young people possess for the Fair and their respective categories. They are our best resource for spreading the fun and educational benefits of the Fair. These dynamic young people have taken their message to the state’s FFA convention, chapter meetings, seminars, and other functions, increasing the Fair’s visibility and appeal throughout the state,” Hudson said.

“Being a champion youth ambassador is a lot of fun. Not only do I get to tell people about the program, I am able to help new exhibitors who are interested in the Fair” said Youth Ambassador Timothy Surface. “The best part, I remember from when I was an ambassador, was watching the winner’s face light up when their name is announced. All the work the exhibitors put in to their project seems well worth it, it is truly a great program.”

The 2007/2008 Florida State Fair Champion Youth Ambassadors for this past term include:

• Timothy Surface - Lithia, FL
• Staci Reed - Lithia, FL
• Laura Conaway - DeLeon Springs, FL
• Shane Gearhart - Groveland, FL
• Emelia Hammond - Dade City, FL
• Sofia Annis - Sarasota, FL

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.

###

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