FLORIDA FAIR NEWS 110th Florida State Fair Offered Traditions and New Experiences for Fair-goers


Opening Day It was an eventful opening day at the Florida State Fair. Not even a drizzle could dampen The day


began with a Florida State Fair tradition that included Governor Scott and his Cabinet; Attorney General, Pam Bondi; Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater; Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Put- nam; and Florida 4-H and FFA students. The “Flip the Switch” ceremony marked the official begin- ning of the 2014 State Fair by turning on the lights on the Midway, leading the way for Fair-goers to discover the fun! Followed by a casual “Fresh from Florida Breakfast,” the Governor and Cabinet joined Florida farmers, ranchers and agriculturists for a Florida home-growth products breakfast, which had standing room only. Later in the morning in the Salute to Ag/Mooternity Ward, stu- dents showcasing their animals had the opportunity to meet and greet Governor Scott, Commissioner Putnam and the rest of his Cabinet. After the official Cabinet meeting, the group took an AgVenture tour, where they interacted with students in a “hands on” learning experience designed to teach elementary students about agriculture, and so they gain an appreciation of food fresh from Florida! One of the highlights of opening day was the annual Governor’s Luncheon. Governor Scott


delivered his keynote address to the record-breaking crowd. Shortly afterward, Doyle F. Carlton III, Chairman of the Board of the Florida State Fair Authority, presented a surprise Outstanding Service Award to Ms. Joyce Covington, Special Events Manager, for her 34 years of dedicated service to the Fair. Immediately afterwards, the Commissioner Putnam and his fellow Cabinet members went on a ceremonial “ride” on the big Sun Wheel, to kick off the first day fun rides. Discovering What’s New


“New” was the buzzword surrounding the preceding days of Fair. Patrons gave rave reviews of the


new entertainment, new exhibits, new rides and new food; several of which had their National pre- mieres at the Florida State Fair. Nothing brought more thrills to the midway than the Comet II, the largest traveling roller coaster


in North America, which made its debut. Also new to the Fair was the Surf’s Up, a giant ride the waves ride; the Charlie Chopper family helicopter ride; the Hit in 2000 fast-pounding Himalaya ride; and the Rainbow, an over-the-top, circling boat ride. Direct from Europe, the Dutch Wheel, towering 120 feet high, gave fair-goers a bird’s eye view of the incredible lights and sounds. Food was a true focal point of the Florida State Fair. The top burger trio was created by Carousel The new Ramen Noodle Burger with


Foods and offered something for everyone’s taste buds.


Asian slaw and a crispy Ramen Noodle bun inspired food critics to recommend it to their readers as a culinary delight, and Florida State Fair-goers were the first to get a taste of this creation. Also new, the Healthy(er) Burger and the 3B’s Burger (bacon, brisket, beef) offered other out-of-the- ordinary flavors for burger lovers seeking adventure. The popular Bacon Maple Funnel Cake gave Fair-goer a new, sweet and savory departure from the standard funnel cake. Right out of the starting gate, the NockAir FMX Motorcycle Extreme Show debuted at the Fair


showing high-flying stunts that captivated audiences. The 5-D Experience proved to be a new and extreme entertainment for the senses for people of all ages. The band America, took down the house with a free concert on opening day, which was also Hero’s Day at the Fair.


In recognition of those who protect our freedoms, all active and retired


military and first responders enjoyed free admission to the Fair. College Day ended with a free, night concert featuring Florida’s own Sister Hazel. Patrons rode


the rides ‘till the cows came home for only $20 after 3pm. President’s Day, also known as Family Fun Day, was the last day of the Fair. The Family Fun


Pack allowed families of four to savor the last day for only $20 total admission. Uncle Kracker rapped up the evening Fair festivities with his popular hits and a stellar performance. The tried and true entertainment was as popular as ever. The Country Gold Tour, featuring the


legendary Leroy Van Dyke and friends, performed classic country standards and swooned the audi- ence with their celebrated “Nashville Sound.” A Fair favorite, the Spanish Lyric Theater was back once again performing their Broadway theatrical productions. New Student Days were added to the line up this year, and the Florida State Fair welcomed Citrus, Hardee, Highlands and Marion Counties students. Along with Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota County students, they received free admission on their designated student day. Agriculture Agriculture, the pulse of the Florida State Fair, saw renewed popularity with Fair-goers. A vast


array of Livestock and Equestrian Shows were well-attended and received. A variety of demonstra- tions, from milking a cow to cooking and canning, served to reinforce agricultural education, which are the roots of the Florida State Fair. The Mooternity Ward featured new born baby farm animals, and offered a unique, up-close opportunity to those who might never have come in contact with farm animals.


Last, but certainly not least, the AG Woman


of Year


Award was presented to Lynetta Usher Griner by Com- missioner Adam Putnam and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in conjunction with the Florida State Fair.


Ms.


Griner joins an elite group of women who have been recog- nized for their contributions to Florida’s agriculture.


Chuck Pesano


Executive Director Florida State Fair and Gayle Hart Jacksonville Ag Fair


Nancy & Jim Tucker enjoying a break from the Springfield, MO weather


Doyle Carlton III, Chair- man of the Florida State Fair Authority recognized Joyce Covington for 34 years of service to the State Fair


Enjoying the Governor’s Luncheon on Opening Day: Lisa Hinton, Jim Tucker, Gayle Hart, Martha Leverock.


The State Fair group welcomes Jim Tucker, President & CEO of IAFE.


Florida Governor and Cabinet participated in State Fair opening with FFA & 4-H representatives


24


Nancy Tucker, Martha Leverock, Gayle Hart, Jim Tucker, Lisa Hinton touring Hinton Strawberry farm, host Bob Hinton at right with IAFE’s Jim Tucker.


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