While most of the U.S. shivers in winter, Florida kicks off the Florida State Fair, one of the only state fairs in the county not held in the summer or fall. Dating back to 1904, the state fair is Florida’s annual celebration of the state’s history of agriculture, horticulture, arts, crafts, education, food, and thrills! The Fair takes place February every year just east of Tampa, Florida at the Florida State Fairgrounds and runs for twelve days. It’s large enough to spend a full day wandering through numerous exhibit halls, munching on your favorite fair food, or satisfying one’s inner daredevil on the heart-stopping midway attractions.
It’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds. By midday on the weekend the fair can be shoulder to shoulder with fairgoers in some of the busier attraction areas. The gates open at 10 AM on weekends (Friday -Sunday) and 11 AM on weekdays (Monday – Thursday). Midway opens at 10:30 AM on weekends and 1 PM on weekdays.
Exhibits
The fair hosts a variety of exhibitions. Expo hall is the largest building. It’s original to the fairgrounds, once even hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning during their inaugural season before Amelie Arena was finished in 1996. Expo Hall features primarily commercial retailers and local trades.
The Florida Center highlights arts and crafts from artisans throughout the state. It also showcases school competitions separated by grade level from first to high school. Here young talent takes center stage. From drawings and paintings to sculptures and displays that shed light on the challenges Florida faces environmentally, socially, and economically as the states leads the nation in growth over the coming decade.
The agriculture centers take you back to Florida’s roots by providing a pedestal for agricultural products, livestock competitions, and sometimes provide a temporary home to one of the Clydesdale teams so fairgoers can get an up-close look at the astonishing horses as well as the famous Budweiser wagon. You can walk through rows upon rows of competition worthy roosters, hens, rabbits, swine, and cattle. Witness the modern way of milking cows, and even get a sample of fresh cows’ milk or local grown Florida orange juice. See live specimens of Florida game from large mouth bass to the Florida black bear at the Fish and Wildlife Exhibit, a Florida State Fair staple.
Cracker Country
Cracker Country is a highlight of the fair. It’s a must for first time fairgoers. Here you can walk through the recreation of an old Florida town run by the famous Florida crackers. The Cracker is the name given to Florida cattle herders and cowboys the settled throughout much of the state going back to the 1800s. The buildings are actual authentic restorations of Florida Cracker construction brought together from across Florida to form small village.
Experience an original schoolhouse. Buy a souvenir from the General Store. Watch the blacksmith forge steel tools. Make your own candles from beeswax. Or try sugar cane right from the stalk. Allow at least an hour or two to experience all Cracker County has to offer. It’s so popular that it is open year-round for school field trips.
Food and Entertainment
What would a state fair be without mentioning the food or entertainment. The two practically go hand in hand. Deep fried candy bars, foot-long corn dogs, cotton candy, elephant ears, donut burgers… can you smell it already? Your stomach will already be rumbling before you even get through the main gate. And there are plenty of entertainment venues with regular performances so you can sit and relax, listen to music, and figure out what food vendor you’re going to try next. Don’t miss the circus! Shows run throughout the day, so you are sure to catch the act.
The Midway
Last but certainly not least, the Florida State Fair has one of the largest midways in the Southeastern U.S. Fairis Wheels, roller coasters, and rides that will twist and turn you every which way line a paved midway. Armbands are available for purchase so you can ride all day if you dare. If nothing else, stroll through the midway while you munch on a hot corn dog and watch the craziness unfold.
Tired and your feet hurt? No problem! Buy a single tickets and board the skyride. Experience an easy-going glide from one side of the 330-acre fair to the other. The views alone are worth it, not to mention the recovery time it gives your feet so you can spend a few more hours traversing the grounds.
After dark, the fair really comes alive. Bathed in neon lights, the midway glow can be seen for miles down the interstate. For some reason, the food smells better at night. The atmosphere feels more festive. On weekends, the fair caps off the day with fireworks display at 9 PM. It’s a can’t miss experience!
Each February, the Florida State Fair, gets the fair and festival season rolling. It is the first in the country thanks to Florida’s mild winters. Don’t be fooled though. Florida is typically the coldest month in Florida. Be sure to check the weather before heading to the fair. It’s not uncommon for some of the coldest days of the year in Florida to occur during the fair’s run. Nevertheless, the fair goes on rain or shine, hot or cold. It’s a sure bet good time!
The fair is located off U.S. Hwy 301 and Interstate 4 just east of Tampa, Florida. There are three gates. Access the main gate from 301 just off the exit ramp. Or access a second gate off of Dr. MLK Blvd, and a third from Orient Rd. Admission to the fair ranges from $11 – $16. Advance tickets are available online. Ride Armbands range from $22 – $54 and can also be purchased online in advance.