THE 2010 FLORIDA STATE FAIR ANNOUNCES THE HONOREES FOR THE INAUGURAL YEAR OF THE HERITAGE WALL OF FAME RECOGNITION

The Florida State Fair Authority will honor outstanding African-American and Hispanic individuals at the 2010 Florida State Fair who exemplify a commitment to excellence and enhancing Tampa or Florida’s rich heritage and culture within their respective communities.  A group of Fair Advisory committee members slimmed down the list to the top 5 candidates for each category.  The public vote determined the top three individuals from each category who in their opinion best reflected a positive contribution to their heritage and race. 

The African-American Honorees for the 2010 Florida State Fair’s World Village Heritage Wall of Fame are listed in alphabetical order: C. Blythe Andrews, Jr., Rev. Dr. Alfonso Leon Lowry, Sr., and Felecia Ann Wintons. 

The Hispanic Honorees for the 2010 Florida State Fair’s World Village Heritage Wall of Fame are listed in alphabetical order: Matilda Garcia, Richard Gonzmart and former Governor Bob Martinez.

The honorees and/or their immediate family members (if the nominee is deceased) will be invited to an opening day ceremony and presentation on February 4, 2010 at 10:45 a.m. in the Family Theater at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, Florida.

The 106th annual Florida State Fair will take place on February 4-15, 2010.  The Florida State Fair – always in Tampa and always in February – is organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.  For more information about the Florida State Fair or the Fairgrounds, visit online www.floridastatefair.com, call toll-free (800) 345-FAIR or (813) 621-7821.