It's one of the most anticipated events for both Florida and those unlucky non Florida residents and according to many born and bred Floridians, it's not your drivers license that amkes yo an official Florida resident, but your proof of attendance at the Florida State Fair.
The reasons are many though chief among them is the food. The sheer variety and quantity of delicious carnival concoctonss makes it the one place where you will completely forget your New Year diet resolutions. Organizers are touting their new selection of burgers with ingredients such as ice cream, bacon and peanut butter. After Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is the most gastronomically concious event in the state. Combine that with boundless selection of fairground fun and you have a one stop shop for good times.
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Pizza Funnel Cake |
Gates open today at 9 am at the corner of U.S. 301 and Interstate 4 in Tampa. Some of the highlights include:
♦ Salute to Heros Day: All active, reserve, or retired military veterans, law enforcement, firemen, and first responders are admitted free with valid ID
♦ India Celebration, 6-10 p.m., Entertainment Hall
♦ Swash Chucklers Comedy Pirate Show, noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
♦ Brown Entertainment High Dive, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
♦ Welde Bear Show, noon for play in pool; shows at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
♦ Circus Hollywood, noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
♦ Racing Pigs, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The fair runs through Feb. 15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa. Gates open at 9 a.m. on Friday through Sunday and 10 a.m. on Monday through Thursday (and 9 a.m. on the final day). The midway opens at 10 a.m. most days (but opens at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 through Thursday, Feb. 11).