It’s Florida fair time! Here’s a roundup
During the Sunshine State’s mild winter, it’s certainly a fair time to be living in Florida. That’s especially true when looking ahead at all of the county fairs, state fairs and festivals scheduled for the next several months.
Before Central Florida was known for its theme parks, the area served as mostly cattle ranching land and provided fertile ground for citrus groves. While those industries aren’t as visible today, many Floridians still find their livelihood in raising livestock and growing produce.
Those agricultural aspects are on full display when witnessing a livestock auction at the Central Florida Fair or exploring Plant City’s main industry through the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Here are the fairs and festivals coming up around Central Florida.
Florida State Fair
Florida’s statewide fair is back with dozens of rides and games, an unfathomable amount of food, live entertainment and agriculture spread across the fairgrounds. This year’s food lineup includes a “Barbie funnel cake” and a spicy Korean corndog. One unique aspect of the fair is Cracker County, a living history museum that transports visitors back to the 19th century.
When: Feb. 8-19; gates open at 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday and on Presidents Day
Where: 4800 N. U.S. Highway 301 in Tampa
What to expect: Deep-fried food, agricultural events, live entertainment, many rides, lots of games, vendors, artists, unique exhibits, Floridian history and more Unique features: Circus Hollywood, racing pigs, a log run competition, a sea lion splash and agriculture exhibits are all on the lineup for the Florida State Fair. That’s not to mention food specials, including a “Pop Rock Pickle,” a funnel cake topped with pulled pork and “bacon, caramel, peanut butter apple fries.” Tickets: Online — $11 for adults, $9 for seniors (ages 55 and older) and $9 for children (ages 6-11). Unlimited ride passes are available. Gate prices cost more.
Turn to Connolly, Page 3
floridastatefair. com
Osceola County Fair
The Osceola County Fair, a Kissimmee-area tradition of more than 75 years, brings rides, livestock, agriculture, fair eats, pageants and entertainment to Osceola Heritage Park. The event coincides with the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade and the 13th annual Monster Bulls event, both on Feb. 10.
When: Feb. 9-18; gates open 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and noon Friday-Sunday (4 p.m. Feb. 9, opening night) Where: 1911 Kissimmee Valley Lane in Kissimmee What to expect: Fair food, agriculture and livestock events, truck and tractor pulls, artists, vendors, live entertainment, pageants and contests
Unique features: Livestock and animals take the stage during this fair with shows for cattle, rabbits, sheep, poultry, hogs and more. Other eye-catching events include Demolition Derby on Feb. 11, the pie-eating contest on Feb. 17 and entertainment from racing pigs, an aerial stunt show and the Pompeyo Family Dog Show. The fair also coincides with Monster Bulls (Feb. 10) and Silver Spurs Rodeo (Feb. 15-18). Tickets: $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 5-11). A season pass is available for $35. Some nights offer specials and an unlimited ride pass as an add-on. More info: osceolacountyfair.com
Central Florida Fair
Fair food, carnival rides and livestock will pop up right in Orlando’s backyard when the 112th Central Florida Fair returns in March. Visitors can experience agriculture up close and explore live entertainment, contests, games and more.
When: Feb. 29-March 10; 4-10 p.m. Monday-Friday,
noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando
What to expect: Fair food, livestock, vendors, competitions, entertainment, ride and games midway, pony rides, kids activities Unique features: Entertainment at this year’s fair includes a “Bizarre Boulevard” show, MicroMania Wrestling, free concerts and pig races. The fair represents one of the largest livestock shows in the state.
Tickets: Online: $10 general admission on weekdays, $15 on weekends or $5 for children ages 7-11 any day. Ride and admissions packages are also available online. Gate prices cost more.
More info: centralfloridafair.com
Florida Strawberry Festival
Florida’s annual celebration of strawberries brings headliners such as The Beach Boys, Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top, Foreigner, Flo Rida, Cody Johnson and Zach Williams, plus plenty of strawberries. The Plant City festival, which draws
about 600,000 visitors over 11 days, also provides midway rides and games, free entertainment, eating contests and livestock shows.
When: Feb. 29-March 10 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City
What to expect: Many strawberry-infused dishes, free entertainment, midway rides, vendors selling handcrafted items, children’s activities and livestock shows
Unique features: Strawberries are truly at the heart of this event. Find plenty of innovative strawberry-based foods at the festival, plus thousands of fresh strawberries. The headlining musicians are also a focal point of the festival (tickets cost extra).
Tickets: $10 for adults
(ages 13 and older) or $5 for children (ages 6-12). Discounted admission is available at select Publix stores and online. Rides cost extra.
More info: flstrawberryfestival.com
Seminole County Fair
Details have not yet been unveiled for the Seminole County Fair, which last year celebrated its 25th year. The fair typically happens in late March and early April at Seminole Towne Center Mall.
More info: seminolecountyfair.com
Lake County Fair
The Lake County Fair, set near scenic Lake Eustis, has been entertaining and educating Central Floridians since 1921. The fair, now celebrating its 103rd
annual event, includes pageants, livestock shows, arts, entertainment and more during the show. When: April 5-14; 5-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: 2101 County Road 452 in Eustis
What to expect: Fair food, livestock shows, art, vendors, rides, games, pageants and more Unique features: The Lake County Fair is sure to entertain with racing pigs, comedy hypnosis and musicians. Baked goods, sewing, woodwork, welding, arts and livestock are other highlights at this event.
Tickets: Information coming soon
More info: lakecofair.com