Florida Fair News
The Hillsborough County Fair successfully extended its run to two weekends for the first time in 2014. Fair dates were October 23 through November 2. (Dark Monday-Wednesday) This marked the 21st year for the Fair that had traditionally run 5 days. The Fair was open Thursday through Sunday each week, and dark Monday through Wednesday. The change worked and the Fair was up overall about 60% in attendance, midway revenue and overall gross revenue. Over 250 attended the annual Harvest Awards Luncheon held on Opening Day. Sponsored by Mosaic, five recipients are honored each year. They included the Farm Family of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Agribusiness, Outstanding Public and Community Service and Urban Agriculturist. The 1800 seat outdoor Arena hosted six paid admission events. Two nights of Ranch Rodeo, a Mexican Rodeo, Bulls
and Barrels, Truck and Tractor Pull and concluded with a Demolition Derby on the last Sunday. The most popular events proved to be the Truck and Tractor Pull, Bulls and Barrels and the Demolition Derby. The Mexican Rodeo was a surprising disappointment. This marked the fourth year for midway provider Arnolds Amusements who was up 58%. Arnolds fielded a more robust ride line-up over previous years and the public responded. Entries in all Livestock areas were up with the exception of Youth Beef. Entries in the Shows are limited to County
residents only. Sheep and Dairy topped the large animal list with almost 100 animals in each show. 87 Swine were shown and sold. Family Living entries of Art, Photography, Culinary and Crafts showed substantial increases. Art and
Photography was displayed in the newly completed 900 square foot Multi- purpose building. The Fair historical area dubbed “Hometown Hillsborough” included a new rustic frame building donat-
ed by local Contractor Rick Bliss. The 600 square foot structure was constructed from lumber sawn at last year’s sawmill demonstration. The new building displayed antiques and historical artifacts and was manned by members of the east Hillsborough Historical Society Additions to the area also included a Cane Grinder and Syrup Kettle. The Brandon Lions Club Hay Ride and Scarecrow
Making tent operated from the historical area for the first time. Free Grounds Acts included Robinson’s Racing Pigs
2014 Senior Harvest Queen, Shelby St. Amant stands next to one entry in the Hay Bale Decorating Contest. The theme "Hometown Heroes" brought 12 entries from FFA chapters, 4H Clubs and youth groups in what is becoming one of the fairgoers favorite attractions!
and Paddling Porkers, Neal Snyder’s Fire Fighter’s Show and Heidi Herriot’s Family Circus. This year marked the 30th Anniversary for Robinson’s Racing Pigs. Hillsborough County was the founding home for the company that popularized pig racing across the nation. Two Youth Pageants, Teenage Battle of the Bands,
Tom Umiker, Manager of the Hillsborough County Fair and Federation 1st Vice
President during the Hillsborough County Fair
the Harvest Queen Pageant and the Talent Show rounded out the events on the Community Stages. Free activities in the outdoor Arena included a Youth Horse Show, FFA Night Competition, Whip Cracking Competi- tion and the Bay Area Bandits Mounted Shooting Club competition. A 21 year old Fair that was homeless for 15 of those years, carved from the remnants of an old phosphate mine, and produced by over 250 Volunteers will hold its 2015 Fair October 22- November 1(dark Monday-Wednesday).
2014 Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queens. Left Shelby St. Amant, Senior Harvest Queen and right, Kaylee Stallard, Junior Harvest Queen, Myke Morris, member Board of Directors
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