Florida Fair News
It was a twelve day showcase of arts and crafts, talent and
entertainment, unique educational programming and a spectacular mid- way that captivated visitors from all over the State of Florida. The 2105 campaign theme was entitled, A Time- less Tradition. Entire families had the opportunity
to be part of a rare learning experi- ence through two key exhibits that focused on American history. The Wall That Heals, a half-size, traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall replica, ran from opening day, February 5 through February 9; and the 9/11 Nev- er Forget traveling exhibit, complete with firefighters from New York,
ran
from February 10 through 16, closing day. Both received rave reviews and drew visitors that may not have nor- mally attended the Fair. Patrons also experienced all the thrills and chills of the updat-
ed Midway, shopped until they dropped in the Expo Hall and the Arts and Craft Center, browsed through the renovated art, horti- culture and student competitions, and marveled at other new and original exhibits and attractions like the 25,000 balloon carousel. Opening day began with the Florida State Fair traditional
activities that included Governor Scott and his Cabinet; Attorney General, Pam Bondi; Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater; Com- missioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam; and Florida 4-H and FFA students. The “Flip the Switch” ceremony marked the offi- cial beginning of the 2015 State Fair by turning on the lights in the Family Midway. The Festivities continued with the Fresh From Florida breakfast sponsored by Mosaic, the Florida State Cabinet Meeting in the Pavilion overlooking The Wall That Heals exhibit and the Governor’s Luncheon in the Special Events Cen- ter.
New and Surprising It was easy for patrons to see the Fair Midway had an updat-
ed look and feel. As of 2015, the Florida State Fair executed a hybrid agreement with W.G. Wade Shows Inc. to provide midway management that resulted in several enhancements including brand uniformity, an optimized layout, more greenery and seat- ing areas and wider aisles. The visual impact of the Fair’s per- sonalized midway colors was very well received. In addition to the new visual impact of the Midway, entire
families experienced thrills and chills in the Kid Zone, Family Zone and Thrill Zone. Patrons had the choice of riding one of seven different giant wheels, including the new Skywheel Double Wheel. An industry first, and making its debut at the Florida State Fair, was the Star Dancer Observation Tower. The World’s Largest traveling roller coaster, the Comet II, returned this year for an enthusiastic encore. Ride enthusiasts got their wish and were treated to the availability of money-saving ride armbands each and everyday. Fun Fair Foods translated into a burger lovers’ paradise in
2015. Prior to the Fair, Carousel Foods helped us create the first ever People’s Choice Burger contest where patrons were en- couraged to vote online and choose their favorite burger from a list of five exciting burger concoctions. The Parmesan Crusted Burger came in first place with the Jalapeno Crusted Burger in second. Carousel Foods then created both of these burger deli- cacies specifically for patrons of the Florida State Fair. Also getting a great culinary buzz was the new Funnel Cake
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Cheeseburger; a juicy patty topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato and pickle between two glazed funnel cakes. Once again, Florida State Fair-goers were the first to get a taste of this creation. Those that wanted an alternative to a burger could sample the popular Red Velvet Deep Fried Oreo. Entertainment and Exhibits Musical performances and entertainment reached across all
genres and did not disappoint. The High Dive act and Circus Hollywood under the big tent kept patrons on the edge of their seat. The ever popular Welde Bears Show entertained the mass- es and at promoted and
the same time education
conservation.
Beatlemania and headliner Charlie Daniels Band left standing room only in the Entertainment Hall. Mix Jam featuring Andy Mineo and Bizzle had the crowd on their feet and Latin Fusion with Joe Zuniga presented their own brand of song and dance family flair. Favorites like the Country Gold Tour and the Elvis Extravaganza returned to a group of en- thusiastic and loyal fans. The Fair’s newly re-
vamped Florida Center was full of surprises. Patrons
marveled at the massive Balloonopolis balloon carousel, made of 25,000 balloons, while it grew each day right before their eyes. The fresh display cases were loaded with competitive arts, crafts, textiles, photography, woodworking, horticulture and stu- dent exhibits. Also introduced this year, were sustainable exhib- its and green living competitive exhibits. In fitting with the patriotic key exhibits, opening and closing
days were designated Heroes Days at the Fair. In recognition of those who have served our Country and protected our freedoms, all active and retired military, police officers, firefighters and first responders enjoyed free admission. In 2015 the Florida State Fair executed a Discover the Fun
on Weekdays campaign that included Senior Discount Days, Supersaver Ride Armbands and a Families Helping Families Charitable promotion. Again, students from Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, Hills-
borough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota County enjoyed the privilege of free admission on their designated student day. Agriculture Agriculture, the backbone of the Florida State Fair, had sev-
eral additions and enhancements this year. Families and animal lovers enjoyed the hands-on experience of newly expanded Sa- lute to Ag and Mooternity Ward. New babies were born right in front of fairgoers each and every day. Competitive youth live- stock competitions sponsored by Mosaic culminated into the anticipated Champion of Champions winners. Also, patrons saw a wide array of horse shows and dog shows throughout the event. New this year was the spectacular Backyard Dream ex- hibit presented by the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) in the Ag Hall of Fame. This lush horticul- ture display served as an inspiration to all visitors. Once again, a variety of agricultural seminars and demonstrations were ongo- ing throughout the days of the Fair. Last, but certainly not least, the AG Woman of Year Award
was presented to Belinda Chason by Commissioner Adam Put- nam and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in conjunction with the Florida State Fair. Ms. Chason joins an elite group of women who have been recognized for their contributions to Florida’s agriculture.
The 2015 Florida State Fair was truly a timeless tradition full of surprises!
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