For media inquiries related to Amphitheatre concerts contact David Harb, General Manager. 4802 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida, 33610. Main Phone (813) 740-2446

For more information on the Florida State Fair Authority and the Florida State Fair, please contact Scott Merselis, Marketing Manager for the Florida State Fair Authority at 813-627-4318 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Introducing the 2013 Florida State Fair

“DISCOVER THE FUN” 

Celebrating the 500^th anniversary of the arrival of Juan Ponce De León in Florida, this year’s 109th Annual Florida State Fair invites everyone to “Discover the Fun.”  “Florida: 500 Years In the Making” recognizes the statewide, year-long celebration of Viva Florida 500, a commemoration of Florida's rich heritage and diverse cultural history throughout 2013.  From February 7 – 18, the Florida State Fair deserves a top spot on the calendar as THE go-to destination for fun in February. 

The 2013 Florida State Fair will showcase new and unique agricultural and cultural exhibits such as the new “Discovery Center,” a Tampa Bay History Center curated exhibit, and a traveling exhibit celebrating “Florida Agriculture: 500 Years in the Making” hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Get a map at the entrance and explore the “ConquistaTOUR,” a self-guided adventure through the State Fair including the new Florida Cattlemen’s Ranching Museum, Florida’s Learning Garden and Cow Hunter’s Camp in Cracker Country. In addition, fairgoers will “Discover Florida” with a Broadway-style musical performance certain to please those who want to learn more about Florida.   Also new this year, is a concert series, including Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas and the Bellamy Brothers, among others.

Fairgoers can also expect the traditional favorites such as thrilling rides, shopping in Expo Hall, arts and crafts, a giant sand sculpture, tropical fish, the “Mooternity Ward,” horse shows, lots of animals and live entertainment. Visitors will also find a variety of extraordinary foods, from the traditional corn dog to chocolate-covered bacon.  This year’s fair provides many new ways to “Discover the Fun”.

The State Fair’s “COWquistador” logo is a tribute to the European’s influence in the Sunshine State, as well as a symbol of the state’s rich agricultural heritage. 

“The Florida State Fair is not only a destination where families can find good food and great adventures; it’s also a celebration of Florida’s rich agricultural heritage,” said Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

“The 2013 Florida State Fair offers many cultural and agricultural highlights,” notes Charles Pesano, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair Authority. “We have added remarkable entertainment, fantastic exhibits and new features to this year’s State Fair that we know everyone of all ages will love.”

The Florida State Fair is a sure ticket to “Discover the Fun.” For 12 days in February, the Florida State Fair will captivate visitors with special discount days, guaranteeing an excellent overall value.   

When: February 7-18

Where:  Florida State Fairgrounds – 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa 33610 

Advance Purchase Admission Tickets and Ride Armbands: $8 for adults or $4 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are FREE. Ride armbands  - $25

THREE WAYS TO BUY ADVANCE TICKETS

1.  Online through February 6 at www.floridastatefair.com 

2.  At Walgreens stores from January 2 through February 6, 2013

3.  At Florida State Fairgrounds Box Office (discounts through February 6).

Parking: FREE

For more information, go to www.floridastatefair.com and Like the State Fair on facebook.com/floridastatefairgrounds.

MILES OF SMILES FOR KIDS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS BROUGHT SMILES TO THOUSANDS

TAMPA, FL - Miles of Smiles for Kids, a carnival of over 25 rides, food, games, and entertainment, took place on the Florida State Fairgrounds Friday, December 14th through Sunday, December 16th.  Volunteers from community-based care organizations, such as Florida Department of Children/Family Services and Eckerd Community Alternatives, along with Wade Shows and the Florida State Fair Authority, gave their time to help give the gift of a holiday carnival.

The event was attended by over 5000 participants over the course of the three days, which included underprivileged children and their chaperones.  Over 300 volunteers gave thousands of hours of time to make corn dogs, cotton candy, operate rides, and take tickets.  Not only did Wade Shows and the volunteers let the participants ride rides and watch the free entertainment, they also enjoyed approximately 10,000 corndogs, 20,000 drinks, 5,000 bags of cotton candy and popcorn, and 3,000 stuffed animals.

Miles of Smiles for Kids is the brainchild of carnival owner and local resident Frank Zaitshik, owner of Wade Shows, the largest family owned carnival in North America. “There are many great organizations that make the Holiday Season brighter for the less fortunate" said Zaitshik.  “I wanted to offer the kids an experience that was produced just for them, doing what we knew how to do best.  I hope the memories will last a lifetime”, he added.

“We are very pleased with the turnout of the event”, said Frank Zaitshek, owner of Wade Shows, Inc.  “I believe all the volunteers and the efforts of the organizations involved gave the children that attended a great holiday gift.”

25th INDIA FESTIVAL BRINGS CRICKET TO THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

TAMPA, FL - The 25th Annual India Festival organizers are introducing the sport of “Cricket”, another Indian tradition, to the celebration at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  For the first time at the India Festival, “Twenty20” matches will be played at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center inside the Gran Prix Ring.

Tampa Bay has over 85 Cricket teams.  Players from those teams have been selected to make two teams to play the matches, a total of 26 players.  Twenty20 games are completed in three hours, and each of the innings lasting from 75-90 minutes.  The matches will be played on a clay surface using a hardball, other than a softball, that is played on a grass field.

Cricket will start at 10:30am on Saturday, and will continue to 2:30 Sunday morning.  Admission to the Cricket matches is included in the India Festival admission.  India Festival admission starts at just $7 and will open on Friday, November 2nd at 6pm and Saturday, November 3rd at 10:30am.

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25th INDIA FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND WILL FEATURE FOOD, CRICKET, DANCE AND MORE

TAMPA - The 25th India Festival committee is welcoming Tampa Bay to the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend to experience traditional Indian culture.  The festival will include a music extravaganza by Bollywood stars, authentic cuisine, clothing, decor, FREE health screenings, cricket matches and more.  This gathering has become a tradition for Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay, a local Indian organization. 

Dr. Kirin C. Patel, the founder of the India Festival, stated at a press conference held today, that the festival’s first year was held when there were only 300 Indian families in Tampa Bay.  Now that the community has grown considerably, the India Festival generates over 15,000 people each year.  He explained how the Tampa Bay area has a wonderful opportunity to experience rich Indian culture by attending this event.

Chetan Shah, the president of the Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay, also how explained how it was important for the Indian community to give back to Tampa Bay.  The India festival has currently donated 18,000 meals to their partner Feeding America.  With each ticket sold, India Festival will donate 5 meals.  Mr. Shah went on to explain that their goal is to donate 25,000 meals.

Also, mentioned are the cricket matches that will take place in the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center’s Grand Prix Ring.  These matches will start on Saturday at 10:30am and continue until Sunday at 2:30am.  The teams participating are from all over the Tampa Bay area.

The 25th Annual India Festival will be open on Friday at 6pm to Midnight and Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm.  Tickets to the event are $15 and cars should enter the 301 entrance.

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FLORIDA STATE FAIR AUTHORITY BOARD NAMES OFFICERS

October 3rd, 2012                           

TAMPA, FL - The Florida State Fair Authority Board met on Monday and re-elected their Officers for 2013.  Doyle E. Carlton III, Chairman of the Florida State Fair Authority board, and resident of Wauchula, was re-elected for a second term.  “It is an honor to be re-elected as Chair of the Authority, and I look forward to serving the Board and the executive committee in that capacity.”

The 2012-2013 Board officers include: Doyle E. Carlton III of Wauchula, Chairman of the Board, Robert M. Thomas of Thonotosassa, Vice Chairman, Linda Syfrett of Okeechobee, Treasurer,  and M. Clayton Hollis Jr. of Lakeland, Secretary. 

The 2012-2013 Executive Committee members include the officers plus Commissioner Adam H. Putnam, Chip LaMarca of Fort Lauderdale, Jenny Steinbrenner Swindal of Tampa, and A.D. “Sandy” MacKinnon of Tampa.

In 1977, Doyle E. Carlton, Jr., a member of the Florida State Fair Authority, along with his wife Mildred W. Carlton, felt the need for an exhibit to bring the rich history of early rural Florida to life.  Their vision began in 1978, when the Carlton House was donated by family members and moved from Hardee County to a four acre tract on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.    Doyle E. Carlton III continues to contribute to his family’s mission to educate Florida’s youth about turn of the century rural Florida.

The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) operates from revenues generated from the annual State Fair and other ongoing operations during the year.  Although the FSFA is an instrumentality of the State of Florida, it does not receive any annual tax appropriations from the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the State of Florida.  The FSFA operates the Florida State Fairgrounds under the direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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FLORIDA STATE FAIR AUTHORITY EMPLOYEE RECEIVES EVENT SERVICES AWARD

September 26, 2012   

TAMPA, FL - Dennis McDermott, the Florida State Fair Authority’s Director of Event Services has received the Third Annual National Celebrate Services Day Award for Excellent Service.  With 37 years in the event services industry, Dennis has been part of hundreds of event production teams for festivals, trade shows, and even received commendations recently from an RNC customer for his outstanding service.

The Event Services Professionals Association (ESPA) celebrated the awards ceremony on September 20, 2012.  The ESPA, Tampa Bay and Company, and the Tampa Convention Center hosted this event at the Sail Pavilion on Tampa’s Riverwalk downtown.  Awardees were recognized for possessing positive attitudes, professionalism, and excellent customer service skills.

“Details don’t slip by him and his tireless efforts inspire others to strive for higher standards,” said Charles Pesano, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair Authority.  “I am truly honored to be on Dennis’ team.”

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located in Tampa, Florida.  In addition to holding the annual Florida State Fair, February 7-18, 2013, the Fairgrounds hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year.  The fairgrounds cover over 330 acres, with many different types of buildings. The mission of the Florida State Fair Authority is to create positive entertainment experiences through a commitment to agriculture, education, and community service.

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