February 9-20, 2012
The year was 1904. The American flag had 45 stars, Theodore Roosevelt was president and the average American earned just 22 cents an hour. That year, what would be later known as the Florida State Fair opened its gates in Tampa. Since then, there has been incredible inventions, wars, social change and musical styles that have rocked each generation. Still, the Florida State Fair remains a showcase of the best the state has to offer.Fairgoers can enjoy a spacious midway that provides more than 100 rides and games and there is nothing like fair food — cotton candy, ice cream, and things fried that you never thought of frying. Exhibitors come from all over the state to continue the tradition of showing off their handiwork, children participating in 4H and FFA are eager to show their skills and animals, and a visit to the Florida State Fair isn't complete without stepping back in time in Cracker Country — a rustic turn-of-the-century village.
In the fall of 2010, it was decided that the use of a changing theme from year to year would be eliminated in favor of a consistent slogan that best represents the Florida State Fair brand. The Florida State Fair's new slogan is "The Best Time of the Year!" Indeed, the slogan captures the essence of the brand as a 'must see' event that should not be missed.
Entertainment
While some headline entertainment for the 2012 Florida State Fair is free, regular fair admission is required. Some shows require a special ticket in addition to fair admission.
- Xtreme Sports Show will perform the entire length of the fair, except February 15. Show times are at 12 noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
- Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator National Finals will be held February 11 & 12 at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Country Gold Tour - Wednesday, February 15 (12:00 noon & 4:00 p.m.)
Classic country music show featuring up to a dozen acts who created the hits: Leroy Van Dyke and his band, Gene Watson, Lynn Anderson, Janie Frickie, and T.G. Sheppard. Tickets are $10. Purchase tickets online.
Of course, free attractions and performances both indoors and out are on tap daily throughout the fairgrounds, including daily parades, bands and crafts and returning favorites.
Admission & Information
Advance admission tickets for the Fair will be on sale beginning January 2, 2012 at Sweetbay Supermarkets (throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands Counties) through February 8; or online. Save by purchasing advance tickets. Midway ride tickets, armbands and concert tickets do not include fair gate admission.
Regular gate admission Monday thru Friday $10 adults, $5 children (ages 6-11); Saturday & Sunday $12 adults, $6 children (ages 6-11); Children 5 and younger are FREE every day
Ride tickets are $24 per sheet for 30 ride tickets or $5 for four ride tickets. All rides require more than one ticket. Ride tickets can be purchased online in advance or once the fair begins, can be purchased inside at any midway ticket booth. Pepsi Armband tickets are $25 each and are only valid for a single days use on February 9, 10, 12, 17, 19, & 20, 2012. Armbands vouchers may be purchased in advance at Sweetbay Supermarkets and may be redeemed at a midway ticket booth once inside the fair. Once the fair starts, armbands can be purchased at any entrance gate or inside at any midway ticket booth.
$5 Coupon Value Books are available at the gate and can be used to save on fair food, products and services sold by concessionaires and fair exhibitors during the fair.
Directions
The Florida State Fair is located just seven miles east of downtown Tampa with access via I-75, I-4, Hwy. 301, and Martin Luther King Blvd (Hwy. 574). Parking is FREE with wheelchair accessible parking spaces available at each gate. There is a FREE weekend park and ride shuttle service that runs continuously between Highland Oaks (I-75 at Hwy. 574 Exit) and the entrance gate from 9:00 a.m. until midnight.Gates open daily at 9:00 a.m. The Midway opens at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday through Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Expo Hall is open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily. Most other exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Cracker Country is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The Florida State Fair is presented in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner.
