Nowhere But the Fair: February 5-16, 2009
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.
Entertainment
While some headline entertainment for the 2009 Florida State Fair is free, regular fair admission is required. One show requires a special ticket in addition to fair admission. The lineup will include:
- BLITZ! – A Tribute to Half-Time Shows
February 5-10, 12 and 14-15 (multiple show times) - Country Gold Tour 2009
Wednesday, February 11 at 12 noon & 4 p.m. ($10 concert tickets)
Featuring Leroy Van Dyke and the Auctioneers, Bobby Bare, Gene Watson, Narvel Felts, David Frizzell, Jean Shepard, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune and Moe Bandy. - FCW Wrestling
Friday, February 13 at 7 p.m. - Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator National Finals
Saturday & Sunday, Februrary 14-15 (multiple show times) - Florida State Roller Derby Championship
Monday, Februrary 16 from 12-8 p.m.
- Circus Hollywood
- Giraffic Exotic Menagerie
- Hollywood Racing Pigs
- Sea Lion Splash Show
- Welde’s Big Bear Show & Grizzly Falls
- Bull Riding and Barrel Racing
- Spanish Lyric Theatre
- Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
- Dennis Lee
- Lloyd Mabry
- Tammy Ann Winn
- Doggies of the Wild West
- Washboard Willy
- Runa Pacha
Admission & Information
Advance admission tickets for the Fair will be on sale beginning January 2, 2009 at Sweetbay Supermarkets (throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands Counties), or by fax (813-740-3514) or mail (Fair Box Office, P. O. Box 11766, Tampa, FL 33680) orders with payment. Save up to 33% by purchasing advance tickets. Special Family Fun Packs are also on sale in advance. Midway ride tickets and concert tickets do not include fair admission.
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.
