02/09/2012 - Florida State Fair Feb 9th - 20th
Florida State Fair
Starts Thursday, Feb. 9
Florida State Fairgrounds
4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa FL 33610
The 2012 Florida State Fair runs through Feb. 20 and includes rides, games, animal exhibits, demonstrations and, of course, lots of fried food stuffs that have no business being fried. New this year: a 70-foot zip line across a lake, lawn mower races and an indoor extreme sports show.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday
10:00 AM - Close
Friday - Sunday
9:00 AM - Close
February 20
9:00 AM - Close
Gate Admission Prices
Monday - Friday
Adults Age 12 & Over $10.00 Children Age 6-11 $5.00 Ages 5 & Under FREE
Saturday - Sunday
Adults Age 12 & Over $12.00 Children Age 6-11 $6.00 Ages 5 & Under FREE
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Circus Hollywood February 9 - 20
Sunday - Thursday at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm
Friday and Saturday 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm
STROLLING ENTERTAINMENT
Oscar the Robot - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Runa Pacha - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Willy's Washboard Jamboree - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Dwayne Hill - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Hi Pockets - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Steve the Pretty Good - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
INTERNATIONAL STAGE
Spanish Lyric Theatre - February 9 - 20
Monday through Friday at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm
Saturday and Sunday at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm
Distinguished Men of Brass - February 17, 18, and 19 at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
Salute to Veteran's Day Performance - February 20 - Show Times to Follow
FAMILY THEATER
Dennis Lee February 9 - 20
Daily at 11am, 1pm, and 5pm
Saturday, February 11, at 11am, 1pm, 5pm, and 8pm
Friday, February 17, at 11am, 1pm, 5pm, and 8pm
Yesterdaze - 70's Music Friday, February 10, Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12, at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Peter Alden (Elvis) Friday, February 17, Saturday, February 18, Sunday, February 19, and Monday, February 20 at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
Blues Brothers February 9 - 20
Daily at 12pm, 3pm, and 7pm
Friday, February 10, at 12pm, 3pm, 7pm and 8pm
Saturday, February 18, at 12pm, 3pm and 7pm and 8pm
FLORIDA CENTER
Lloyd Mabrey February 13 - 20 at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm
Sandtastic February 9 - 20......All Day, Everyday
WATERFRONT CAFE
Johnny Lowry Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
COMMUNITY/CHILDREN'S STAGE
Doggies of the West
Daily at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Welde Bears February 9 - 20
Daily at 2pm, 4pm, and 7pm 12:00 Noon - Play in the Pool Time
Racing Pigs February 9 - 20
Daily at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm
February 11 & 18 - Shows at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm
Exotic Petting Zoo February 9 - 20......All Day, Everyday
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show February 9 - 20
February 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 - Shows at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm
February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20 - Shows at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm
Kachunga The Alligator Show February 9 - 20
Daily at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
Friday and Saturday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
Lawn Mower Races
February 18 and 19 located in The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
Presented by the USLMRA
Florida Ranch Rodeo
February 15 - 16 at 2pm, and 7pm located in the Charlie Lykes Arena
High School Jazz Festival February 10 - All Day at the Special Events Center West
CHARLES M. DAVIS SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER
Big Band
Sunday, February 12 at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Friday, February 17 at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm
AG AREA
Melody Farm Follies Revue February 9 - 20......All Day, Everyday
ALL DATES, TIMES, AND ACTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE.*
CRACKER COUNTRY
Open Daily until 6pm
Museum admissions included with Fair admission ticket
Link for more information: http://www.crackercountry.org/programs/floridastatefair
Every February during the Florida State Fair, Cracker Country opens its gates to the Fair's guests! Take a stroll back in time and relax as you experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Florida's history. Explore the museum grounds and interact with costumed interpreters to take part in the customs of the past! Take home a newspaper printed on an antique printing press right before your eyes, and try a taste of real sugar cane before watching its juice being boiled into syrup! Visit the post office and have a letter mailed with a special Cracker Country cancellation! Visit crafters and trade demonstrators throughout the museum grounds, see how tools were used in the early 1900s, and discover the art of spinning, woodcarving, blacksmithing, and making cow whips in the time of Florida's pioneers! End the afternoon with a bag of fresh kettle corn, smoky beef jerky, and a refreshing cup of lemonade as you enjoy traditional country music under a canopy of oak trees. Make sure to stop by the Cracker Country General Store to take home an old-fashioned souvenir!
Entrance to Cracker Country is included with your Florida State Fair admission. Follow our blog for updates about exhibitions, demonstrations, and times. Make sure to come and be a part of the traditions of Florida's history!
Crafts & Demonstrations
Bee Keeping & Honey: Aiken Family Farms - 12 days of Fair
Corn Grinding: Allen Family - 12 days of Fair
Corn Husks Dolls: Anita Faircloth - 12 days of Fair
Felting: Cindie & Robert Etiene - 12 days of Fair
Cracker House Artist: Rick Powers - 12 days of Fair
Leather Work & Saddle Repair: Dale North - Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
Sedge Brooms & Corn Shuck Scrub Mops: Danny Sylvester - Feb. 10, 11, 12
Pine Needle Basket Making: Dave DeAngelis - Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19
Weaving on a loom: Don Darr: 12 days of Fair
Whip Making: James Faircloth: 12 days of Fair
Gourd Banjo Making: John Catches: Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
Bird Houses & Rustic Wood Furniture: Johnathan Sheldon - 12 days of Fair
Pine Needle Basket Making: Karol Nickerson & Ruth Danger - Feb. 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20
Beef Jerky Making: Kenlely Redditt - 12 days of Fair
Decoy Making: Laurel Dabbs - 12 days of Fair
Century Tools & Storytelling: Nick Nichols - 12 days of Fair
Canning & Preservation: Rebecca Miller - Feb. 10, 11, 12
Cane Grinding and Syrup Making: Reflections of Manatee - 12 days of Fair
Blacksmith: Rhett Page - 12 days of Fair
Printing on an Antique Printing Press: Robin Willis & Russ Williams - 12 days of Fair
Bench Making: Sal Porto - Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20
Antique Herbs & Roses: Seminole Springs Antique Roses & Herb Farm - 12 days of Fair
Fence Building & Shingle Making Demonstrations: Willie Thelosen & Stephen Cotton - 12 days of Fair
Lye Soap Making: Jenny Stevens - 12 days of Fair
Face Jug Pottery: T.J. Stevens - 12 days of Fair
Chair Making: Newberry & Son's Chairs - Feb. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Basket Making: Ralph Fleming - Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19
Broom Making: Nancy Gildersleeve - Feb. 13-19
Make & Take Dolls: Cracker Country - 12 days of Fair
Spinning & Hand Work: Cracker Country - 12 days of Fair
US Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service will be operating the Cracker Country Post Office as a full functioning U.S. Post office on the following dates
Post Office - Feb. 9, 10, & 13-17 from 10am to 2pm
Cracker Country's Post Office will be open as a display during all other times until 6pm daily.
Musical Performances & Entertainment
Pleasant Family String Band - Feb. 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 on Center Stage
Sweeney Family Band - Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19 on Center Stage
Community Performances
Maniscalco Elementary School - Feb. 9 at 10am outside the Schoolhouse
East Co. Dulcimer Ensemble - Feb. 9 at 1pm in the Church
Lee County Fiddle Support Group - Feb. 9 at 2pm in the Church
St. Anne Children's Choir - Feb. 10 at 11am in the Church
Dulcimer Connection - Feb. 10 at 1pm in the Church
Sacred Harp Singers - Feb. 11 at 10am-2pm in the Church
Liberty Middle School - Feb. 17 at 10:30am next to the Blacksmith Shop
Benito Middle School - Feb. 17 at 10am next to the Okahumpka Depot
Bruns Middle School - Feb. 17 at 10:30pm next to the Okahumpka Depot
Calvary Baptist Church - Suzuki Strings - Feb. 18 at 11am in front of the Schoolhouse
Centurians - Feb. 18 at 11am in the Church
Jerry Gentry - Feb. 18 at 9am in the Church
Knights Baptist Choir - Feb. 19 at 4pm in the Church
East End Fiddlers - Feb. 20 at 1pm in the Church
Piano Academy of Tampa - Feb. 18 at 4pm in the Church
Marilyn & Jack Mullins - Feb. 12, 13, 15, 16 all day in the Church
Food & Drink
Kettle Corn (Near Post Office)
Netterfields Lemonade (Near Post Office)
Pork Rinds (Near Okahumpka Depot)
Beef Jerky (Near Smith House)
Boiled Peanuts (Near Red Barn)
For more information, call 813-621-7821 or toll-free 1-800-345-3247
Gate admission is not included with purchase of armbands, ride tickets, or concert tickets. There are no refunds, exchanges or rainchecks. All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice. All acts are included with a fair gate admission ticket, except for the Country Gold Tour concert, rides and games are extra. NO RE-ENTRY; once visitors exit the gates another admission ticket will be required to re-enter the Fair. The Florida State Fair Authority is not responsible for any third party advertisement.
Starts Thursday, Feb. 9
Florida State Fairgrounds
4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa FL 33610
The 2012 Florida State Fair runs through Feb. 20 and includes rides, games, animal exhibits, demonstrations and, of course, lots of fried food stuffs that have no business being fried. New this year: a 70-foot zip line across a lake, lawn mower races and an indoor extreme sports show.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday
10:00 AM - Close
Friday - Sunday
9:00 AM - Close
February 20
9:00 AM - Close
Gate Admission Prices
Monday - Friday
Adults Age 12 & Over $10.00 Children Age 6-11 $5.00 Ages 5 & Under FREE
Saturday - Sunday
Adults Age 12 & Over $12.00 Children Age 6-11 $6.00 Ages 5 & Under FREE
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Circus Hollywood February 9 - 20
Sunday - Thursday at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm
Friday and Saturday 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm
STROLLING ENTERTAINMENT
Oscar the Robot - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Runa Pacha - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Willy's Washboard Jamboree - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Dwayne Hill - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Hi Pockets - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
Steve the Pretty Good - February 9 - 20 from 11am to 5pm
INTERNATIONAL STAGE
Spanish Lyric Theatre - February 9 - 20
Monday through Friday at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm
Saturday and Sunday at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm
Distinguished Men of Brass - February 17, 18, and 19 at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
Salute to Veteran's Day Performance - February 20 - Show Times to Follow
FAMILY THEATER
Dennis Lee February 9 - 20
Daily at 11am, 1pm, and 5pm
Saturday, February 11, at 11am, 1pm, 5pm, and 8pm
Friday, February 17, at 11am, 1pm, 5pm, and 8pm
Yesterdaze - 70's Music Friday, February 10, Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12, at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Peter Alden (Elvis) Friday, February 17, Saturday, February 18, Sunday, February 19, and Monday, February 20 at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
Blues Brothers February 9 - 20
Daily at 12pm, 3pm, and 7pm
Friday, February 10, at 12pm, 3pm, 7pm and 8pm
Saturday, February 18, at 12pm, 3pm and 7pm and 8pm
FLORIDA CENTER
Lloyd Mabrey February 13 - 20 at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm
Sandtastic February 9 - 20......All Day, Everyday
WATERFRONT CAFE
Johnny Lowry Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
COMMUNITY/CHILDREN'S STAGE
Doggies of the West
Daily at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Welde Bears February 9 - 20
Daily at 2pm, 4pm, and 7pm 12:00 Noon - Play in the Pool Time
Racing Pigs February 9 - 20
Daily at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm
February 11 & 18 - Shows at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm
Exotic Petting Zoo February 9 - 20......All Day, Everyday
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show February 9 - 20
February 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 - Shows at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm
February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20 - Shows at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm
Kachunga The Alligator Show February 9 - 20
Daily at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
Friday and Saturday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
Lawn Mower Races
February 18 and 19 located in The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
Presented by the USLMRA
Florida Ranch Rodeo
February 15 - 16 at 2pm, and 7pm located in the Charlie Lykes Arena
High School Jazz Festival February 10 - All Day at the Special Events Center West
CHARLES M. DAVIS SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER
Big Band
Sunday, February 12 at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Friday, February 17 at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm
AG AREA
Melody Farm Follies Revue February 9 - 20......All Day, Everyday
ALL DATES, TIMES, AND ACTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE.*
CRACKER COUNTRY
Open Daily until 6pm
Museum admissions included with Fair admission ticket
Link for more information: http://www.crackercountry.org/programs/floridastatefair
Every February during the Florida State Fair, Cracker Country opens its gates to the Fair's guests! Take a stroll back in time and relax as you experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Florida's history. Explore the museum grounds and interact with costumed interpreters to take part in the customs of the past! Take home a newspaper printed on an antique printing press right before your eyes, and try a taste of real sugar cane before watching its juice being boiled into syrup! Visit the post office and have a letter mailed with a special Cracker Country cancellation! Visit crafters and trade demonstrators throughout the museum grounds, see how tools were used in the early 1900s, and discover the art of spinning, woodcarving, blacksmithing, and making cow whips in the time of Florida's pioneers! End the afternoon with a bag of fresh kettle corn, smoky beef jerky, and a refreshing cup of lemonade as you enjoy traditional country music under a canopy of oak trees. Make sure to stop by the Cracker Country General Store to take home an old-fashioned souvenir!
Entrance to Cracker Country is included with your Florida State Fair admission. Follow our blog for updates about exhibitions, demonstrations, and times. Make sure to come and be a part of the traditions of Florida's history!
Crafts & Demonstrations
Bee Keeping & Honey: Aiken Family Farms - 12 days of Fair
Corn Grinding: Allen Family - 12 days of Fair
Corn Husks Dolls: Anita Faircloth - 12 days of Fair
Felting: Cindie & Robert Etiene - 12 days of Fair
Cracker House Artist: Rick Powers - 12 days of Fair
Leather Work & Saddle Repair: Dale North - Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
Sedge Brooms & Corn Shuck Scrub Mops: Danny Sylvester - Feb. 10, 11, 12
Pine Needle Basket Making: Dave DeAngelis - Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19
Weaving on a loom: Don Darr: 12 days of Fair
Whip Making: James Faircloth: 12 days of Fair
Gourd Banjo Making: John Catches: Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
Bird Houses & Rustic Wood Furniture: Johnathan Sheldon - 12 days of Fair
Pine Needle Basket Making: Karol Nickerson & Ruth Danger - Feb. 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20
Beef Jerky Making: Kenlely Redditt - 12 days of Fair
Decoy Making: Laurel Dabbs - 12 days of Fair
Century Tools & Storytelling: Nick Nichols - 12 days of Fair
Canning & Preservation: Rebecca Miller - Feb. 10, 11, 12
Cane Grinding and Syrup Making: Reflections of Manatee - 12 days of Fair
Blacksmith: Rhett Page - 12 days of Fair
Printing on an Antique Printing Press: Robin Willis & Russ Williams - 12 days of Fair
Bench Making: Sal Porto - Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20
Antique Herbs & Roses: Seminole Springs Antique Roses & Herb Farm - 12 days of Fair
Fence Building & Shingle Making Demonstrations: Willie Thelosen & Stephen Cotton - 12 days of Fair
Lye Soap Making: Jenny Stevens - 12 days of Fair
Face Jug Pottery: T.J. Stevens - 12 days of Fair
Chair Making: Newberry & Son's Chairs - Feb. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Basket Making: Ralph Fleming - Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19
Broom Making: Nancy Gildersleeve - Feb. 13-19
Make & Take Dolls: Cracker Country - 12 days of Fair
Spinning & Hand Work: Cracker Country - 12 days of Fair
US Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service will be operating the Cracker Country Post Office as a full functioning U.S. Post office on the following dates
Post Office - Feb. 9, 10, & 13-17 from 10am to 2pm
Cracker Country's Post Office will be open as a display during all other times until 6pm daily.
Musical Performances & Entertainment
Pleasant Family String Band - Feb. 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 on Center Stage
Sweeney Family Band - Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19 on Center Stage
Community Performances
Maniscalco Elementary School - Feb. 9 at 10am outside the Schoolhouse
East Co. Dulcimer Ensemble - Feb. 9 at 1pm in the Church
Lee County Fiddle Support Group - Feb. 9 at 2pm in the Church
St. Anne Children's Choir - Feb. 10 at 11am in the Church
Dulcimer Connection - Feb. 10 at 1pm in the Church
Sacred Harp Singers - Feb. 11 at 10am-2pm in the Church
Liberty Middle School - Feb. 17 at 10:30am next to the Blacksmith Shop
Benito Middle School - Feb. 17 at 10am next to the Okahumpka Depot
Bruns Middle School - Feb. 17 at 10:30pm next to the Okahumpka Depot
Calvary Baptist Church - Suzuki Strings - Feb. 18 at 11am in front of the Schoolhouse
Centurians - Feb. 18 at 11am in the Church
Jerry Gentry - Feb. 18 at 9am in the Church
Knights Baptist Choir - Feb. 19 at 4pm in the Church
East End Fiddlers - Feb. 20 at 1pm in the Church
Piano Academy of Tampa - Feb. 18 at 4pm in the Church
Marilyn & Jack Mullins - Feb. 12, 13, 15, 16 all day in the Church
Food & Drink
Kettle Corn (Near Post Office)
Netterfields Lemonade (Near Post Office)
Pork Rinds (Near Okahumpka Depot)
Beef Jerky (Near Smith House)
Boiled Peanuts (Near Red Barn)
For more information, call 813-621-7821 or toll-free 1-800-345-3247
Gate admission is not included with purchase of armbands, ride tickets, or concert tickets. There are no refunds, exchanges or rainchecks. All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice. All acts are included with a fair gate admission ticket, except for the Country Gold Tour concert, rides and games are extra. NO RE-ENTRY; once visitors exit the gates another admission ticket will be required to re-enter the Fair. The Florida State Fair Authority is not responsible for any third party advertisement.
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