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

• Weekly at Cracker Country: Country Tea Time
• Monthly at Cracker Country: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups
• Aug. 2: Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation Class 
• Aug. 2: Concert - Projekt Revolution Tour
• Aug. 9: Steer Futurity Calf Sale
• Aug. 9-10: Suncoast Gun Show & Sale
• Aug. 9-10: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show 
• Aug. 16: Swine Clinic
• Aug. 16: Concert - Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift
• Aug. 22: Concert - Stone Temple Pilots and guests
• Aug. 23-24: Buckler's Craft & Scrapbooking Fair 
• Aug. 23-24: Suncoast Sunburn Classic I & II
• Aug. 28: Concert - Rod Stewart
• Aug. 29: Concert - Kenny Chesney with Miranda Lambert
• Aug. 29-Sept. 1: FQHA Labor Day Circuit Horse Show
• Aug. 30: Concert - John Mayer with One Republic

Please be aware that the 4-H Dog Training Classes normally held on Tuesday evenings are on break during the summer months and will resume in September. Cracker Country's weekly program, "Afternoons in the Country", has been discontinued and a new program called "Discover the Past" will begin in September on the first Saturday of each month except in February.


Weekly at Cracker Country: Country Tea Time (by reservation only)
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. The tea cost is $20 per person and lasts approximately one hour.  Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/.


Monthly at Cracker Country: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (by reservation only)
Hands-on history tours for youth groups are offered the first Saturday of every month, except in February, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Cracker Country. Give your youth organization the opportunity to learn about the past and become a part of it.  Led by knowledgeable historical interpreters, kids can spend the morning experiencing life as a Florida pioneer through hands-on chores and practices of the late 1800's. The tour cost is $5 for students ages six to twelve and one chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions.  Youth groups may stay after the tour to enjoy the new "Discover the Past" program at no additional cost.  Reservations are required in advance with a 10-student minimum per group. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/.


Aug. 2: Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation Class 
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering alligator hunters a free class from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Florida Center.  This training session will help them prepare for the upcoming statewide alligator harvest period. The class is an opportunity for hunters who have never participated in the state's alligator hunts to learn about the hunting practice, techniques and safety, hunting rules and regulations. Alligator harvest equipment vendors will be on-site for persons that may want to purchase supplies. Reservations are not required to attend.  Parking is complimentary for this event. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information on alligator hunting, visit online http://myfwc.com/gators or call Steve Stiegler at 850-488-3831.


Aug. 2: Concert - Projekt Revolution Tour
The Projekt Revolution Tour comes to the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 2 featuring performances by Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, Busta Rhymes, The Bravery, Ashes Divide, plus more. Doors open at 1 p.m. and concert begins at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $76.75 for PIT area general admission tickets (standing room only), $70.75 and $56.75 for reserved seating, $30.75 for lawn tickets and $75 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets plus applicable fees. 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 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Aug. 9: Steer Futurity Calf Sale
Youth, parents, and teachers will take part in a one-day seminar for the Youth Steer Futurity Calf Sale to be held in the Ag Hall of Fame, Equestrian Pavilion and Covered Ring at the Fairgrounds. Attendees will choose their steers to take home and raise throughout the year in preparation for the 2009 Florida State Fair competition. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  For more information on this event, please call the Agribusiness office at 813-621-7821 ext. 388 or 387.


Aug. 9-10: Suncoast Gun Show & Sale
One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center with popular items for the firearms collector, hunter or sportsman. The Suncoast Gun Show and Sale features nearly 400 tables of 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 online http://www.suncoastgunshows.com/ or call 330-963-6964.


Aug. 9-10: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper Association hosts a two-day horse competition in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center beginning at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in marshall and sterling, hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with $3,000 in prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category and stall charges apply.  Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online http://www.sehj.com/ or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469.


Aug. 16: Swine Clinic
The University of Florida IFAS Department of Animal Services will present a swine clinic to be held in the Charlie Lykes Arena and Ag Hall of Fame building on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The presentation is intended for individuals associated with Florida's youth hog shows including vocational agriculture instructors, breeders, and extension personnel. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  For more information or to register for the clinic, please call the University of Florida IFAS office at 352-392-2454 or 352-392-1912.


Aug. 16: Concert - Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift
Rascal Flatts will perform with special guest, Taylor Swift, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $79.75 for reserved seating or $35 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 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Aug. 22: Concert - Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots will perform with special guest, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, August 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $61 for PIT area general admission tickets (standing room only) or $53.50, $45.50 and $35.50 for reserved seating. The lawn is closed for this concert. 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 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Aug. 23-24: Buckler's Craft & Scrapbooking Fair
This popular indoor craft show 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, home accessories, jewelry, handcrafted furniture, dolls, homemade fudge, gourmet delights, scrapbooking supplies, Christmas trinkets and 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 $5 and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. A hand stamp re-admits visitors 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 online http://www.bucklerpromotions.com/ or call 386-860-0092.


Aug. 23-24: Suncoast Sunburn Classic I & II
Suncoast Dressage hosts a two-day, USEF/USDF recognized horse competition at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.  Event hours vary daily for each competition. Entry fees and stall 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 online http://www.sdcta.com/ or call Wendy Whitworth at 352-521-3902.


Aug. 28: Concert - Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Thursday, August 28. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $91 and $61 for reserved seating, $41 for general admission lawn seating and a 4-pack of lawn tickets for $105 plus applicable fees. 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 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road.  For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Aug. 29: Concert - Kenny Chesney with Miranda Lambert
Kenny Chesney will perform with special guest, Miranda Lambert, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, August 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $80 for reserved seating and $41.75 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 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road.  For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Aug. 29-Sept. 1: FQHA Labor Day Circuit Horse Show
The Florida Quarter Horse Association hosts their annual Labor Day weekend circuit horse show in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Classes for Western and English disciplines are open to youth, novice and amateur riders ages eight and older. Event hours vary daily for each class. Entry fees apply for participants and exhibitors; prizes are awarded for each class. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, go online to http://www.fqha.net/ or call Peg Edmondson at 941-484-4687.


Aug. 30:  Concert - John Mayer with One Republic
John Mayer will perform with special guest, One Republic, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 30. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $59 and $44 for reserved seating, $36 for general admission lawn seating and a 4-pack of lawn tickets for $99 plus applicable fees. 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 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road.  For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.