FLORIDA FAIR NEWS continued…...……………...………………………………….….


HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR With the approach of Fall, this year’s


Greater Hillsborough County Fair kicked off October 12 and ran through the 16th at the County Fairgrounds on Highway 60, just east of Brandon. The Fair boasted some of the nicest


Youth Livestock Shows held anywhere. Animals, large and small, were entered.


Dairy and Beef animals were housed in one tent and adjoining tents housed Sheep, Goats, Swine and a large Rabbit and Poultry Show. Youth participants vied for the best of the best with their ani-


mals. But as longtime volunteer Fair Manager Tom Umiker likes to put it, "we're in the business of raising Grand Champion Youth, not just "champion animals." Fairgoers were encouraged to walk through the tents and visit with exhibitors and learn first hand, the skills of animal husbandry. The Fair also hosted a Youth Horse Show on Sunday, October 16 in the outdoor arena. Fairgoers were able to watch the riding and horsemanship skills demon- strated by our County's young equestrian enthusiasts. Many Fair competitions were open to residents of all ages.


Students could enter in the "Just For Kids" areas and adults en- tries were on display in Photography, Craft Works, Quilting, Nee- dlework, Sewing, Handicraft and other areas of competition of- fered under Family Living Artistry. Those with an artistic talent also entered their work in the Visual or Decorative Arts area and those with a green thumb entered their plants to compete for Best of Show in the Horticulture Show. Canning, cooking and baking have made a come back during our current tough economic times and the Fair expanded those competitive categories this year. You could compete or just eat at the Annual Rotary Chili


Cook-off held on Sunday, October 16. Fairgoers were also en- couraged to EAT! New this year was deep fried Oreo cookies and deep fried Snickers bars. Speaking of Oreo cookies, Robinson's Racing Pigs were


back this year to race the porcine oval for first place and an Oreo cookie. Just like life, the winner got the cookie, the losers got the crumbs! The Entertainment didn’t stop there. A fantastic show of equestrian agility and knowledge was on display with this year’s show "Horses Got Talent Too!" Produced by third generation circus animal trainer and entertainer, Heidi Herriott, the show brought new light to the talents of our equestrian friends. Local television personality Ken Suarez was on hand again


this year with his array of interesting animals. A variety of animals on display, performing and demonstrating abilities designed to educate and give Fairgoers a" WILD, WACKY and WONDER- FUL" experience, and an added appreciation for the animal king- dom. The Ranch Rodeo returned on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 pm. Fairgoers were able to watch real ranch hands from across Florida, ride, brand and milk the wild cow they rope. Bronc riding, trailer loading and youth mutton busting were on


tap as well. Real ranches entered a team of real ranch hands who competed in everyday ranching tasks for the prize money. Pur- chasing a rodeo ticket in advance from one of many area mer- chants provided free admission to the Fair. Also in the arena on Saturday was the Bay Area Bandits Mounted Shooting Club with an exciting show of skill and marksmanship. For those with talent the Fair offered a Talent Showcase all


week long to show off their abilities. Individuals and groups showcased their singing, instrumentals, baton twirling just to name a few. For those who wanted to compete with their talent, there was the Hillsborough County Fair Spotlight Tal-


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ent Competition for all ages. Competitor's were judged and prizes awarded. This year marked the 14th annual County Fair Teenage Bat-


tle of the Bands sponsored by the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department. Rock, Gospel, Country and Crossover bands all competed on the outdoor community stage. The antique tractor, engine and equipment area was added


this year. Yesteryear’s machinery brought new appreciation to the advancements that have been made in farming and industry. Also new and featured in the arena on Weds. evening, October 12 was the Youth Cow Whip Cracking Contest. The Hillsborough County Fair hosted many events designed


to raise funds for scholarships. Among those were the FNGLA Plant Auction held on Saturday October 15. You could purchase top quality plants donated by area growers. All proceeds go to the Youth Scholarship Fund. The Hillsborough County 4-H Foundation also hosted it's annual BBQ on Saturday during the Fair. Proceeds go to support and help fund 4-H youth activities in the county. Everyone also enjoyed the rides and midway games. Wrist-


bands and single tickets were offered each day. Thursday's wrist- band special was $15 to ride all the rides. On Opening Day, Wednesday, October 12, Arnold Amusements agreed to offer any ride for $1! The Harvest Awards Banquet was held Tuesday evening,


October 11th on the Fairgrounds. Five awards were presented - Hillsborough County Farmer of the Year, Agribusiness of the Year, Urban Agriculturalist of the Year, Outstanding Public and Community Service and the Lifetime, Achievement Award . The Fair was produced by hundreds of volunteers serving on


dozens of committees and governed by a diverse, all volunteer Board serving the residents of Hillsborough County. If you weren’t able to visit us this year, we hope you’ll make a point to come see us next year!


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