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

• Ongoing weekly: Country Tea Time
• March 3-May 8: Rural Home Life Spring School Tours (ongoing weekly)
• March 3-7: Gasparilla Charity Horse Show
• March 7: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
• March 7: Discover the Past (ongoing monthly)
• March 7-8: Spring Home Show
• March 7-8: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Pet Expo
• March 7-8: Fossil Fest
• March 12: MPI Annual Meetings Marketplace
• March 13-15: Woodworking Shows
• March 14: FWRHA Horse Show
• March 18-22: Suncoast Internationale (Winter Equestrian Festival)
• March 21: Concert – WiLD Splash '09 Music Festival
• March 25-29: Tampa Bay Classic (Winter Equestrian Festival)
• March 27-29: Florida Independent Tow Show
• March 31-April 4: Tournament of Champions (Winter Equestrian Festival)

Ongoing Weekly: Country Tea Time
Held in Cracker Country, 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. Reservations are required in advance to attend. 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 www.crackercountry.org.

March 3 - May 8: Rural Home Life Spring School Tours (ongoing weekly)
Held in Cracker Country, students can spend a morning immersed in a rural Florida community of the past. By engaging in hands-on activities, they will learn about the differences and similarities between their modern lives and those of children in 1898. These spring tours are held Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through May 8. Admission cost is $5 per student; one teacher/chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid students and additional adult admission is $5 each. Reservations are required in advance to attend a tour. Parking is free for these student tours. Group visitors must enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. To make a reservation, please call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org, contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225.

March 3-7: Gasparilla Charity Horse Show
Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena, the 24th annual Gasparilla Charity Horse Show continues its long established tradition of supporting Tampa's charities. Over the years, proceeds from this equestrian event have contributed over $150,000 to local charities. The five-day show features Saddlebreds, Morgans, Roadsters and Harness Ponies. Please inquire with the show office for performance times and entry fees to participate. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online http://gasparillacharity.org, e-mail jbquade@gasparillacharity.org or call Joanne Quade at 813-839-3476.

March 7: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
Held in Cracker Country, the 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 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. To make a reservation, please call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org, contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225.

March 7: Discover the Past (ongoing monthly)
Imagine what it was like for settlers of rural Florida living in 1898 -- use your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to relive this time from Florida's past. The event is held in Cracker Country on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except in February). It 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 necessary for this event. For more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 7-8: Spring Home Show
Florida's Largest Home Show, produced by Turner Exposition Corporation, provides a one-stop marketplace to see the latest products and services in remodeling, decorating, landscaping and furnishings for the home. Held in the Expo Hall, event hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults; seniors ages 55 and up pay $7 each, and children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit www.bighomeshow.com, e-mail turnerexpo@aol.com, or call Turner Exposition at 813-677-6925.

March 7-8: Tampa Reptile Mania & Exotic Pet Expo
Thousands of reptiles, small mammals, birds, pet supplies and more will be on sale during this two-day event. There will be live shows and activities throughout the day. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall, event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Adult admission is $8 per person; children five and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.gilaproductions.com, e-mail lex@gilaproductions.com or call Alex Russell at 919-495-3233.

March 7-8: Fossil Fest
The Tampa Bay Fossil Club hosts its annual Fossil Fest in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. This event will appeal to anyone who loves science and nature, or has a penchant for history and adventure. Visitors can see fossils from around the world, artifacts, gems and minerals, exhibits and displays. Seminars will be held on both days to teach people how and where to legally hunt for fossils and artifacts, and how to identify them and prepare them for display. In addition, the popular children's fossil mine allows kids to dig through a sand pit and recover authentic fossils donated by club members; plus kids get to keep everything they find! Event hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online www.tampabayfossilclub.com, contact Mike Searle by e-mail fossilnerd@msn.com or call 813-909-9358.

March 12: MPI Annual Meetings Marketplace
The Tampa Bay area chapter of MPI presents the 8th annual Meetings Marketplace held in the Florida Center & Botanical Gardens. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and the program starts at 2:30 p.m. More than 100 meeting planners are expected to attend the important industry event. An interactive education session will give attendees some "green" ideas to use in planning for an event. The cost to attend is $35 for members/planners/students and $45 for a non-member. Everyone registered to attend the education session and tradeshow will receive a gift certificate to Gallagher’s Steak House and be eligible for more prizes. Parking is complimentary for this event only, courtesy of the Fair Authority. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit www.tampabaympi.org.  

March 13-15: Woodworking Shows
Take your craftsmanship to the next level by attending this woodworking event showcasing national and local exhibitors in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. Find the latest in tools and techniques for woodworkers and DIY'ers. Attend one of many free classes and hands-on clinics during the three-day event. Show hours are Friday from 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $9 at the door for ages 13 and older and free for children 12 and younger. Purchase discounted tickets in advance online at www.thewoodworkingshows.com for a single or three-day admission pass. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.thewoodworkingshows.com, e-mail teale@thewoodworkingshows.com or call 401-253-2531.

March 14: FWRHA Horse Show
The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association (FWRHA) will host classes for all levels of riders with Tennessee Walking, Racking and Spotted Saddle horses in the Covered Ring. Please inquire with the show office for performance times and entry fees to participate. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.fwrha.org or call Darren Gray at 352-536-4751.

March 18-22: Suncoast Internationale (Winter Equestrian Festival)
Presented by Stadium Jumping, this event commences a three-week long Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Hunter and jumper horse competitions for adult amateur and junior participants will take place throughout five days. Please inquire with the show office for performance times and entry fees to participate. Admission and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.stadiumjumping.com or call 813-253-2782.

March 21: Concert – WiLD Splash '09 Music Festival
The WiLD Splash music festival is the annual event of the hip hop radio station Wild 98.7 FM. Artists scheduled to perform at the Ford Amphitheatre include Busta Rhymes, Soulja Boy, Sean Kingston, Slim Thug, Movado and Serani. Gate is scheduled to open at 4 p.m.; concert begins at 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for PIT section (general admission) and $46, $36, $24 and $14 for reserved seating. The lawn is closed for this event. Prices include sales tax and parking; all tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service and handling charges. 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. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at the Ford Amphitheatre Box office or online exclusively at www.livenation.com. Tickets can also be purchased by phone by calling 877-598-8698. There will be a Box Office Service Charge added to the price of each ticket. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Rain or shine. For the latest concert information about Ford Amphitheatre events, visit online www.livenation.com or call 813-740-2446.

March 25-29: Tampa Bay Classic (Winter Equestrian Festival)
Presented by Stadium Jumping, this five-day event is the second show of the Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The 'AA' rated hunter competition features some of the top hunter horses and riders in the nation. The 2009 Tampa Series Hunter High Score Circuit Awards will be presented in 34 individual hunter divisions including the professional, junior, amateur-owner, adult amateur, children, pony, and breeding divisions. Please inquire with the show office for performance times and entry fees to participate. Admission and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 813-253-2782.

March 27-29: Florida Independent Tow Show
Unified Trade Shows presents this three-day event for the towing and recovery business that will showcase trucks and equipment both indoors and outdoors at the Fairgrounds. Vendors will have hands-on demonstrations, an on-site ride and drive course featuring the latest model chassis from leading truck manufacturers, and much more. This family event even includes something geared for the kids offering supervised towing safety seminars, games and prizes. Event hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.unifiedtradeshows.com or call 239-334-4874.

March 31-April 4: Tournament of Champions (Winter Equestrian Festival)
Presented by Stadium Jumping, this horse competition is the culmination of the Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The USEF-sanctioned show features amateur-owner, adult amateur, junior, and children competing in jumper and hunter divisions. The 2009 Tampa Series Hunter High Score Circuit Awards will be presented during the Budweiser American Invitational on the evening of April 4 in Raymond James Stadium to the horses that have accumulated the most points throughout the three-week festival. Please inquire with the show office for performance times and entry fees to participate. Admission and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.stadiumjumping.com or call Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.

For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, please call the main office number at 813-621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com and click on the Events Calendar.  Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  Media wishing to cover a Fairgrounds event should contact Denise Shreaves at 813-627-4314 or e-mail shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us.  To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please call David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003.  Media should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance and check in with the security guard to notify the appropriate contact person. 

The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) is not responsible for any incorrect or misprinted information regarding events held on the Fairgrounds property which are not organized or managed by the FSFA.  The event organizer, not the FSFA, is solely responsible for the advertising and management of exhibitors, vendors, or sponsors participating at an event held at the Fairgrounds.  All scheduled times, prices, and any other advertised information is subject to change and/or cancel without notice.  
  
The Florida State Fair Authority is a non-profit organization which operates primarily from revenues generated from the annual State Fair and other ongoing operations during the year.  Presently, the FSFA does not receive any state tax appropriations from Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, nor the State of Florida.  The FSFA operates the Florida State Fairgrounds year-round in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority Board, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.
 
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