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
• Monthly at Cracker Country: Discover the Past (NEW)
• Aug. 29-Sept. 1: FQHA Labor Day Circuit Horse Show
• Sept. 1: Labor Day Picnic Celebration
• Sept. 4: Brandon Chamber Business After Hours Social
• Sept. 4: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Jonas Brothers
• Sept. 6-7: Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo
• Sept. 6-7: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
• Sept. 7: Mexican Independence Festival 
• Sept. 13: Diabetes Expo
• Sept. 13-14: FQHA All Novice Horse Show
• Sept. 19: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Brad Paisley with special guests
• Sept. 20: Youth Agriculture Educational Seminars for 2009 Florida State Fair
• Sept. 20-21: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
• Sept. 26-28: Country Folk Art Craft Show
• Sept. 27: Smithsonian's Museum Day at Cracker Country
• Sept. 27: Sanford Brown Institute Graduation
• Sept. 27-28: Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show
• Sept. 27-28: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Expo
• Sept. 29: Florida State Fair Authority Board Meeting

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/.


Monthly at Cracker Country: Discover the Past (NEW)
Offered on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except in February), this new program lets you imagine what it was like for settlers of rural Florida in 1898. Use your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to relive this time from Florida's past. This event is a fun way for families to spend an enjoyable day together by learning new activities like churning butter and tasting it, making a rope, spinning wool into yarn, or help to plant crops. Adult admission is $6, children ages six to 12 years old and senior citizens enter for $5, and kids five and under are admitted free. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Reservations are not required for this event. For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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.


Sept. 1: Labor Day Picnic Celebration
The West Central Florida Federation of Labor (WCFFOL) is hosting a Labor Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center and outdoors at the Fairgrounds. Activities include an ironman competition, a classic car and motorcycle show, carnival rides, and BBQ food available for purchase. There will also be local union exhibits, vendors selling merchandise, guest speakers, and special appearances by politicians and community leaders. Admission is free and open to the public. 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://fl.aflcio.org/wcffol or call Cheryl Schroeder at 813-740-2233.


Sept. 4: Brandon Chamber Business After Hours
Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosts a business after hours special evening free for all chamber members from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Florida Center. Enjoy some complimentary, sumptuous food and drinks provided by Boston Culinary Group and the Florida State Fair Authority. The Brandon Foundation will present a sneak peek at its 1st annual ROCK, RIB and RIDE FESTIVAL. The four-day festival event takes place on October 16-19, 2008 at the Fairgrounds and will feature a rib tasting competition, festival rides, entertainment stages, charity poker run, wine & food gala, a celebrity fashion show, and a women's business expo. Enter to win fabulous door prizes including festival tickets! Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Parking is complimentary for this event courtesy of the Fairgrounds. Those individuals planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. by Aug. 29 via e-mail bridgep@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4224. For more information on the upcoming ROCK, RIB & RIDE FESTIVAL, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call 813-661-8683.


Sept. 4: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers will perform with special guest, Demi Lovato, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Thurs., Sept. 4. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $85.50, $61, and $41 for reserved seating, $31 for general admission lawn seating and a 4-pack of lawn tickets for $75 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.


Sept. 6-7: Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo
Business entrepreneurs can't miss this two-day Franchise and Business Expo held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. The event will showcase over 100 proven, successful franchise and business concepts, provide valuable educational resources with advisors and supplies for business owners. Businesses looking to expand in the Tampa/Orlando market include 7-Eleven, Vocelli's Pizza, Kwik Kerb, Merle Norman and more. Event hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person; look for a 2-for-1 discount in newspapers and online http://www.floridafranchiseshow.com/. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or Bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online www.floridafranchiseshow.com or call 1-800-891-4856 ext. 400.


Sept. 6-7: 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.


Sept. 7: Mexican Independence Festival
Radio stations, La Ley 760 AM and La Preciosa 820 AM, join together to host this one-day celebration of the Mexican Independence.  Held indoors in the Expo Hall, the whole family can enjoy live music, traditional Mexican and Latin-American food, and much more.  Event hours are from 12 to 8 p.m.  Admission is $15 per person and children under 12 are admitted 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 online http://www.laleytampa.com/ or call 813-871-1819.


Sept. 13: Diabetes Expo
The American Diabetes Expo provides the public with a unique opportunity to talk with health care experts and obtain health and nutritional information. Held in the Expo Hall, this free, highly interactive event will feature a Youth Zone for children with games and face painting, a health screening area, healthy cooking and active living demonstrations, and expert speakers in diabetes care and healthy living. Plus, don't miss the EXPO En Español Zone with informative workshops and educational sessions in Spanish and cooking demonstrations sponsored by Wal-Mart & Sam's Club. Event hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free for all ages. 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 www.diabetes.org/tampaexpo or call Dawn Keglor at 813-885-5007.


Sept. 13-14: FQHA All Novice Horse Show
This AQHA approved, all novice horse show takes place in the Charlie Lykes Arena and Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. There will be clinics by AQHA Professional Horsemen starting at 8 a.m. each day with classes at 11 a.m. on Saturday at 1 p.m. on Sunday. 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.


Sept. 19: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Brad Paisley with special guests
Brad Paisley will perform with special guests, Jewel, Chuck Wicks, and Julianne Hough, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, September 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $58.50 for reserved seating, $29.25 for general admission lawn seating and a 4-pack of lawn tickets for $90 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.


Sept. 20: Youth Agriculture Educational Seminars for 2009 Florida State Fair
The Florida State Fair Authority is offering an educational seminar for all youth interested in participating in livestock competitions at the 2009 Florida State Fair. Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, the seminars are designed to help youth exhibitors prepare for their State Fair animal project and skilathon topics. This is open to all youth planning to show animals in beef, dairy, sheep, dairy goat, boer goat, swine, rabbit, poultry, dog, and llama competitions. Starting at 8 a.m., there will be a seminar geared for new, first-time exhibitors. At 10 a.m. begins the Specie Specific Seminars for returning exhibitors. This is the only session offered this year to prepare agriculture exhibitors for the 2009 Fair. Admission and parking are free; visitors must enter via the Orient Road entrance for this event. For more information, contact the Fairgrounds Agribusiness department at 813-621-7821 ext. 387 or 388.


Sept. 20-21: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) will host a two-day, non-rated horse show featuring horses and riders competing in both hunter and jumper classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Please check with the show office for show times for each day. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.pcha-fl.org, e-mail pchashowoffice@aol.com or call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664.


Sept. 26-28: Country Folk Art Craft Show
The ultimate craft show for home decor and more returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center featuring many local and national top artisans. Shop for a huge array of items for all decorating and gift-giving ideas including handcrafted furniture, garden art, cozy quilts, fabulous florals, traditional and fine art, jewelry and wearable art, handmade soaps, candles, gourmet delights, holiday items, and much more. Show hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for ages 13 and older is $6 on Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday. A hand stamp readmits visitors to the show for the entire weekend. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or Bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online http://www.countryfolkart.com/ or call 248-634-4151.


Sept. 27: Smithsonian's Museum Day at Cracker Country
Cracker Country will open up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on this special day to celebrate Smithsonian’s Museum Day along with museums across the country. Cracker Country is one of only two participating history museums in Hillsborough county to observe this special day. Go to the Smithsonian website at www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday to download an admission pass that will admit you and a guest free into any of the participating museums on this day. Parking is also free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information on other Cracker Country events, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Sept. 27: Sanford Brown Institute Graduation
Sanford Brown Institute of Tampa will hold its graduation ceremony in the Florida Center. Doors open at 10 a.m. and admission is free to attend the ceremony. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, e-mail Rod Kelly at rkelly@sbtampa.com or call 813-393-4286.


Sept. 27-28: Florida Sportsman Fishing Boat Show
Florida Sportsman Magazine presents its annual Family Fishing Festival in the Expo Hall for two fun-filled days. This huge indoor tackle and fishing boat sale features seminars, a live fishing tournament at the lakes, and various hands-on demonstrations including bait rigging, flycasting and castnet lessons. Come meet Florida Sportsman editors, factory reps, or shop for a fishing boat and find accessories for all your fishing needs. Kid-friendly activities include a casting competition, a fish identifier game, and sportfish face painting by quadriplegic artist Tony Ryals. Plus, don't forget to stop by the "Grand Slam" tank, a fascinating 500-gallon saltwater aquarium with live, keeper-size snook, trout and redfish. Show hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $8 and children 12 and younger are admitted free with a parent. A discount coupon for reduced admission is available in the Florida Sportsman Magazine and on the show's website. 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, visit online http://floridasportsman.com/shows/tampa/, Robin Smillie at fsrobin@aol.com or call 813-839-7696.


Sept. 27-28: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Expo
This two-day event held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall will feature national vendors and breeders selling reptiles, amphibians, exotic birds, cages, supplies and more throughout the weekend. There will also be informative seminars given by nationally acclaimed animal handlers and performers. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission is $8 per person for ages six and older; children five and younger are admitted free with a paid admission. 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 www.gilaproductions.com or call Alex Russell at 919-495-3233.


Sept. 29: Florida State Fair Authority Board Meeting 
The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) will have a Board Meeting on Monday at 1 p.m. in the Florida Center. Agenda items to be discussed will include old and new business; plus reports from the executive, finance and marketing committees. The public and media are welcome to attend. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Parking is complimentary for this event. For more information, e-mail Kathleen Fisher at fisherk@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4221.