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

• Dec. 3-5: City League International Show Jumping
• Dec. 3-6: CFHJA Horse Show 
• Dec. 5: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
• Dec. 5: Christmas In The Country
• Dec. 5: International Talent Competition Auditions
• Dec. 5-6: Suncoast Gun Show and Sale
• Dec. 6: Concert - 97x Next Big Thing Concert 
• Dec. 12-13: Cheer America Competitions 
• Dec. 12-13: SEHJ Horse Show
• Dec. 12-13: Tampa Trials
• Dec. 16: FSFA Board Meeting  
• Dec. 19-20: Tampa Model Train Show & Sale
• Dec. 27-Jan.2: Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show

Dec. 5: 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 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, 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.  For more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org.

Dec. 5: Christmas In The Country
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of an old-fashioned country Christmas in Cracker Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Learn how the holiday traditions of the 19th century differ from those of the 21st through hands-on historical interpretations, carols, making traditional decorations and more! Remember all the regular year-round work like butter making and laundry still have to be done, despite the time of year.  This program is open to all guests and is an exceptional value. Adult admission is $6; children ages 6 to 12 and seniors pay $5; and kids ages 5 and under are 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.

Dec. 5: International Talent Competition Auditions
If you have talent, then the Florida State Fair is looking for you to audition live for its International Talent Competition on Saturday, December 5.  Audition to be the next big star in one of the following categories in English or Spanish language: Singers/Bands, Instrumental, Dancers and Other Performance Art (comedy,magic, etc.).  The event will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in the Ag Hall of Fame building from 3 to 8 p.m.  Registration starts at 3 p.m. with live auditions beginning in order of arrival by each contestant.  Parking and admission is free for this event.  Visitors should enter the property via the Orient Road entrance and follow the signs to the building for auditions.  Only live auditions will be considered; any other audition format such as video or audio tapes will be disqualified.  This competition is open only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and are legally eligible to work in the United States.  For more information, visit online www.floridastatefair.com or call 813-621-7821 for details.  

Dec. 5-6: Suncoast Gun Show and Sale
One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the 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. Admission costs are cash only. 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 2 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 www.suncoastgunshows.com or call Suncoast Gun Collectors at 330-963-6964.

Dec. 6: Concert - 97x Next Big Thing
Miller Lite presents the 97X Next Big Thing rock show featuring more than twelve bands on multiple stages performing at the Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday. Artists scheduled to perform include Rise Against, Chevelle, The Used, 30 Seconds to Mars, Matisyahu, Panic at the Disco, Sick Puppies, Anberlin, Framing Hanley, Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant, Metric and more! Gates open at 10 a.m. Ticket prices are $65 for PIT section, $55 Level 200, $20-$40 Level 300, and $30 for general admission lawn seating. There will be a parking fee and service charge added to the price of each ticket unless otherwise noted.  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 more information on this event, visit online http://97xonline.com or call 813-740-2446.

Dec. 12-13: Cheer America Competitions
Cheerleaders from nine surrounding counties, ranging in age from 5 to 15, will get the crowd pumped up as they battle it out in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Performances take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Cheerleader registration is $47 in advance or $53 on the day of the event. General admission for spectators is $7 in advance or $10 at the door per person; children ages three and younger are admitted free. 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 or to purchase advance tickets, visit online www.allamericanyouth.org or call 813-885-2292. 

Dec. 12-13: SEHJ Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper (SEHJ) Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Covered Ring and West 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.                                 

Dec. 12-13:  Tampa Trials
Held in the Charlie Lykes Arena and Pony Ring, this Arena Driving Trial (ADT) is a carriage driving event in which three phases of competition take place in an arena. It consists of dressage, cones, and hazards/obstacles. The event begins on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with the dressage phase followed by cones. Sunday's events begin at 8:45 a.m. with hazard competitions. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Parking and admission are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.cypresskeep.com/tampatrials or contact Erika Matulich at 813-982-2200. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event. 

Dec. 16: FSFA Board Meeting
The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) will have a Board Meeting on Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Florida Center. Agenda items to be discussed will include old and new business; reports from the 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.

Dec. 19-20: Tampa Model Train Show & Sale
Golden Spike Enterprises hosts its 5th Annual Tampa Railfair and Model Train Show and Sale in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for two days.  Over 350 tables representing dealers from all over the nation will have model items in all gauges and Railroad Antiques for sale. This is Florida's largest combination show, displaying items for both the 'modeler' and 'rail buff' alike all under one roof. The model railroader may choose from Lionel, American Flyer, LGB, Marklin or Ives Trains from the past or present. The rail buff may focus on dining car china, lanterns, switch locks and keys, calendars, timetables or any other artifacts actually utilized by the railroads. As extra features of this show are six large, award-winning, working layouts with displays and clinics for all to enjoy.  Also, Santa Claus will be there with free gifts for all the children attending.  Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 per adult, good for both days; children under 12 are admitted free. Visit online www.gserr.com for a discount card on admission; only cash will be accepted for admission at the door. 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 Alan Altman at gse99@aol.com or call 813-949-7197.

Dec. 27, 2009-Jan. 2, 2010: Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show
America's prestigious Winter Quarter Horse Circuit takes place throughout the entire Bob Thomas Equestrian Center starting with the annual Florida Gold Coast Circuit. This seven-day event attracts quarter horses, their owners, trainers and riders from across the country to compete in English, Western, Driving, Reining, and Trail classes. Show hours vary by 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 www.fqha.net or contact Mike Morrissey at 561-793-4607. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

OTHER FAIRGROUNDS NEWS:  The 2010 Florida State Fair will take place on February 4-15, 2010 for twelve consecutive days. We are now seeking food vendors and local restaurants that can offer unique, authentic foods specifically with Hispanic and African-American influence and flavor. 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 RIP STALVEY at 813-627-4222 or e-mail stalver1@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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