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OCTOBER 2009 EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821 Fax (813) 740-3505 www.floridastatefair.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OCTOBER AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. - October 2, 2009. The Fairgrounds offers a variety of entertaining indoor and outdoor events taking place in eastern Hillsborough County. A brief listing of the upcoming month's events is provided followed by a detailed event description.
Oct. 3: 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. 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 per child and one adult chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions. Additional adults are $5 each. 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-person minimum per group. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. To make a reservation or for more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org, e-mail Susan Obarski at obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct. 3: Discover the Past (ongoing monthly)
Cracker Country is pleased to welcome the Girl Scouts of America as special guests on Oct. 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Girl Scouts who present their scout I.D. get in for half price, as they step through our doorway into history and Discover the Past! Imagine it's the year 1898 and you have just settled in rural Florida. What would you be doing, seeing and experiencing? Our dynamic museum programs let you use your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to relive early rural Florida at your own pace. Perhaps you will churn and taste butter, help make a rope, spin wool into yarn, or maybe feel the soil as you help plant crops. This program is open to all guests and is an exceptional value. Adult admission tickets are $6 each, 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. For more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org, e-mail Susan Obarski at obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct. 3-4: SSMDTA Horse Show
The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association will host a horse show in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. 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, contact Melodee Williams at 941-322-1151. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 3-4: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper (SEHJ) Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. 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 www.sehj.com or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at
813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 6: FSFA Board Meeting
The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) will have a Board Meeting on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Florida Center. Agenda items to be discussed will include old and new business; nomination and election of officers for the new year; and reports from the agricultural, finance, marketing and long-range planning 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.
Oct. 9-11: NSRA Southeast Nationals
The National Street Rod Association presents its annual Southeast Nationals showcasing nearly 1,700 specialty vehicles throughout the property with indoor and outdoors displays. This popular three-day event will include commercial exhibitors, model car display, vintage automobile swap meet, a special Women's World area with arts and crafts, free safety inspections and entertainment. Additionally, manufacturers and dealers of specialty automotive equipment will be selling their products, accessories and supplies. Event hours are Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 12, and free for children five and younger when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available only at the event. A special discounted $12 admission is available for seniors 60 years of age and older, military personnel with proper ID, and NSRA members with a current membership card (only one discounted admission per person). 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 http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/144 or call the NSRA office at 901-452-4030.
Oct. 10-11: FPtHA Horse Show
The Florida Pinto Horse Association (FPtHA) will host a two-day, Pinto and Paint combined show bill that is PtHA/APHA approved with two judges. Held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the show starts at 8:30 a.m. each day. 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 online www.fptha.com or call Michele Franz at 407-721-0755. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 12: FSF Foundation Golf Tournament
The Florida State Fair (FSF) Foundation will host its 4th annual charitable golf tournament at the Club Renaissance in Sun City Center on Monday, October 12. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Lunch is provided at 11:30 a.m., followed by a putting contest and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A dinner and an awards ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. The cost per golfer is $150 and includes entry into the putting contest, lunch and a dinner ticket. Team registration for a minimum of four golfers is also available. Sponsorship opportunities start at $150. Funds raised by this annual tournament support the Fair Authority's educational programs offered to Florida students to learn about agriculture, Florida's rural history, youth fine arts and competitive events for the Florida State Fair. For more information, please contact Bill Bullock at 813-627-4215.
Oct. 16: Concert - Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley will perform in concert with special guests Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne on Friday, October 16 at the Ford Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $57.75 and $47.75 for reserved seating, $29.75 for lawn area seating, and $99 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets. The lawn area is general admission; no specific area is assigned for seating. There will be a parking fee and service charge added to the price of each ticket unless otherwise noted if tickets are bought during an "All-In or No Fees" special. All dates, times, and acts are subject to change or cancel without notice. Rain or shine. 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 charged by phone by calling 877-598-8698. Concert guests should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking access should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information about Ford Amphitheatre events, visit online www.livenation.com or call 813-740-2446..
Oct. 16-17: FWRHA Horse Show
The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association (FWRHA) will host a two-day, two judge horse show for all levels of riders in the Charlie Lykes Arena. The show starts at 10 a.m. each day. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. 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 Janie VanDeWalker at 352-568-1941. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 16-18: Tampa Bay Boat Show
The St. Petersburg Times presents the boating event of the season featuring millions of dollars of inventory in new boats and watercraft on display in the Expo Hall. Visitors can shop for the boat of their dreams, check out special exhibits with the latest in supplies and accessories, or see one of a series of Florida fishing school seminars. The area's top fishing guides and local experts will provide great tips and secrets to learn how to catch the big one. Event hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.tampabayboatshows.com or call Dave LaBell at 727-893-8523.
Oct. 17: Taste of Florida Deli Show
H.T. Hackney will host a deli and food service show for convenience store retailers. Held in the Florida Center building, event hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is complimentary for this event only courtesy of H.T. Hackney. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, call Greg Bradley at 813-621-0100.
Oct. 17-18: Gun Show & Sale
One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for two days. The Suncoast Gun Show and Sale features 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 Concealed Weapons/Firearms Safety Course fee is $45 per person. The classes are offered on both days at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last approximately two hours. All students must attend the range training and the range fee is $5. Appointments are not needed for these classes, nor are firearms. 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 and online admission coupons, visit online www.suncoastgunshows.com or call Suncoast Gun Collectors at 330-963-6964.
Oct. 17-18: Slamfest Custom Car & Show
Mini Madness presents its 18th annual custom car and mini-truck show featuring over 1,400 custom vehicles on display at the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center and outdoors at the Fairgrounds. Activities include a burnout competition, bikini competition, car club games and on-site vendors selling merchandise. Thousands of dollars in giveaways and prizes will be awarded to Best of Show for import car, domestic car, and mini and full size truck/SUV categories. Event hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $15 per person each day and free for children ages 12 and younger. Vehicle pre-registration is $40 in advance before Oct. 3rd or $50 after this date. 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.minimadness.com or call 941-366-9123.
Oct. 20-23 and 26-30: Fall Ag Venture
The Florida State Fair Authority's Agribusiness Department, in addition with the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service and the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, will provide these interactive school tours for third grade students from Hillsborough County. Held at the Fairgrounds, Ag Venture is a hands-on learning experience designed to teach students the importance of agriculture and to help them develop an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from. To attend these school tours reservations are required and will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Spring tours are available for those that cannot attend in the fall. Registered attendees should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.ag-venture.com or call the Agribusiness office at 813-621-7821 ext. 388.
Oct. 24: Diabetes Expo
The American Diabetes Association hosts a one-day Diabetes Expo that provides the public with a unique opportunity to talk with health care experts and obtain comprehensive information related to diabetes products and services. Held in the Expo Hall, this event features health risk assessment screenings, healthy cooking and active living demonstrations, and expert speakers. Event hours on Saturday are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. General 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 Beth Marras at 813-885-5007 ext. 3110.
Oct. 24-25: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) hosts a two-day horse show featuring horses and riders competing in hunter, equitation and jumper classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day. There is no set end time; all show rings go until the last horse competes. Please inquire with the show office for entry fees to participate in the show. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.pcha-fl.org or call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 24-25: Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show & Sale
The Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club hosts its 50th annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show & Sale for two days in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. More than 40 vendors will offer specialty items for sale including gems, minerals, jewelry, beads, fossils, and jewelry/beading supplies. Activities include a children's sand mine, silent auction, grab bags, Chinese raffle, and door prizes. Special classes will be offered including a beginner's wire wrapping class for $25 per person featuring an adjustable ring; a beginner's chain making class for $25 featuring earrings and necklace; and an intermediate wire wrapping class for $50 per person featuring earrings and necklace. All material to complete projects for the classes will be supplied. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students (grades K-12) and free for children ages 4 and younger. Active military personnel receive free admission with a valid I.D. (plus the cost of parking). 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.tampabayrockclub.com, contact Tony Carrino by e-mail tcarrino@verizon.net or call 813-482-7774.
Oct. 29-30: Florida State Fair Auditions for the League of Fair-ness
The Florida State Fair will hold auditions to discover Florida's very own superheroes, "The League of Fair-ness". The casting call will be a super fun combination of an American Idol-style audition and Florida's most fun costume party with a fair twist. Auditions will be videotaped and integrated it into the Fair's viral marketing strategy culminating into a You Tube contest whereby the public can vote for their favorite characters that will ultimately be chosen to be part of the Florida State Fair's "League of Fair-ness". People of all ages and races are invited to audition for "The League of Fair-ness" and must come in their own original costume to show their love for the Florida State Fair. Auditions will be held on Thursday and Friday at the Florida State Fairgrounds in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. Registration starts at 11 a.m. with auditions scheduled from Noon to 7 p.m. Parking is free for this event and visitors should enter the property via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance gate. If you are not able to attend the live auditions on one these days, please send your videotaped audition in a Quick Time or Windows Media Player file format saved on a CD/DVD by the Oct. 30, 2009 deadline to: Florida State Fairgrounds – Administration Building, Attention Marketing Dept., 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610. For more information, e-mail Denise Shreaves at shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4314.
Oct. 30: Concert - Styx & REO Speedwagon
Styx will perform in concert with special guests REO Speedwagon and Night Ranger on Friday, October 30 at the Ford Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $59.50, $39.50, $29.50 and $19.50 for each reserved seat or $60 for a 4-pack of reserved seating tickets. The lawn area is closed for this concert. There will be a parking fee and service charge added to the price of each ticket unless otherwise noted if tickets are bought during an "All-In or No Fees" special. All dates, times, and acts are subject to change or cancel without notice. Rain or shine. 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 charged by phone by calling 877-598-8698. Concert guests should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking access should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information about Ford Amphitheatre events, visit online www.livenation.com or call 813-740-2446.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Harvest Days Horse Show
Sponsored by the Tampa Horse Show Association, this annual event returns to the Charlie Lykes Arena for a fast-paced competition featuring Saddlebreds, Morgans, Roadsters and Ponies. Please check with the show office for show times for each day. 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 online www.tampahorseshows.org or call Becky Buffington at 813-926-6974. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 31: Fall Gaited Classic Horse Show
Sponsored by the Florida Rocky Mountain Horse Association, this horse show is sanctioned with Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH). The event will be held in the West Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Please check with the show office for show times for each day. Entry fees and stall rental 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://fl.rmha.net/ or contact Kathy Parrish at 352-406-1395. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.
Oct. 31: Guavaween Bus Shuttle Parking
The Guavaween Night of Costumed Revelry held in Ybor City in Tampa offers live music on multiple stages featuring national and local artists, 'Features' Costume Contest and the not to be missed Mama Guava Stumble Parade. The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer additional parking and shuttle service at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Daytime shuttle service will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday for daily activities. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. The round-trip shuttle service rate is $5 for adults. The last shuttle will depart the Fairgrounds at 1 a.m. to take visitors to Ybor City; the last departure from Ybor City back to the Fairgrounds is at 4 a.m. For more information, visit online www.cc-events.org or call the Event Hotline at (813) 242-4828.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Florida's Largest Fall Home Show
Held in the Expo Hall, Florida's Largest Fall Home Show provides a one-stop marketplace to see the latest products and services in remodeling, decorating, landscaping and furnishings for the home. Show hours are Friday and 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 enter free with an adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, visit www.bighomeshow.com or call Turner Exposition at 813-677-6925.
OTHER FAIRGROUNDS NEWS: The 2010 Florida State Fair will take place on February 4-15, 2010 for twelve consecutive days. Vendor space applications for the next Florida State Fair are now available online at http://www.floridastatefair.com/vendor-application. All interested applicants are advised to print, complete and send in their applications immediately as space is limited for new vendors!
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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 of its event 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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