Florida Fair News
Florida State Fair In 2016, the Florida State Fair emphasized to guests that there is “So Much More to Explore” at the Fair. Fairgoers have come to expect spectacular
rides, outrageous food and plenty of animals during the 12 days of the Fair. But this year
they were encouraged to find something new, be it a show, an attraction or an exhibit. And with a schedule jam-packed with music, shopping, entertainment and educational experiences, failure was not an option. The 2016 Florida State Fair kicked off with the traditional “Flip the
Switch” ceremony during which Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agricul- ture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Florida State Fair Authority Board Chairman Doyle Carlton III and other dignitaries set the Family Mid- way ablaze with lights. The festivities continued with the Fresh From Florida breakfast sponsored by Mosaic and the Governor’s Luncheon in the Special Events Center. Food and Fun Abounds The enhancement and branding of the Midway that began in 2015
continued this year as W.G. Wade Shows Inc. once again placed empha- sis on a convenient and attractive layout that included added greenery, seating areas and wider aisles. In addition to the attention given to the visual aspects of the Midway,
care was taken to ensure that entire families could enjoy rides of every degree of daring. The Super Cyclone, Jungle Twist and Balloon Wheel offered fun for parents and kids alike, while the Stampede, Hurricane and Disk’O ensured that thrill seekers would not be disappointed. The World’s Largest traveling roller coaster, the Comet II, also returned this year for an enthusiastic encore. Ride enthusiasts had the option of mon- ey saving ride armbands each and everyday. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Fair without outrageous – and outrageous-
ly delicious – Fair foods. For the second year, the Florida State Fair held the People’s Choice Burger contest, which allowed patrons to cast an online vote for their favorite burger from a list of mouth-watering imag- inings. Proving that the obsession with all things bacon continues, the Bacon Bomb Burger came in first place with the Redneck Burger – a concoction that included fried bologna and baked beans – coming in a distant second. Both of these burger delicacies were on the menu specif- ically for patrons of the Florida State Fair – and they gobbled them up! Also generating a great culinary buzz was the new funnel cake pizza,
the double barrel burger (a burger patty sandwiched between two doughnuts –with another half doughnut in the middle for good measure) and the PB&J and bacon quesadilla. Once again, Florida State Fair- goers were the first to get a taste of these creations. And for dessert? How about a deep-fried birthday cake pop or a yummy glazed Amish doughnut (hold the burger). 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 masses and at the same time promoted con- servation. Beatlemania and Blues legend Robert Cray generated crowds at the Coca-Cola Headline Music stage. Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, a 1960s music icon,
joined up-and-comers like Colt Ford and
Tenth Avenue North in attracting music lovers across the board. And favorites like the Country Gold Tour and the Elvis Extravaganza re- turned to a group of enthusiastic and loyal fans. The Fair’s Florida Center housed the White House Experience, which
featured authentic presidential memorabilia from the FDR era through today, as well as replicas of the Oval Office and White House Briefing Room. The display cases were loaded with competitive arts, crafts, tex- tiles, photography, woodworking, horticulture and student exhibits. Back again this year were sustainable exhibits and green living competi- tive exhibits. In the Agriculture Hall of Fame, fairgoers could enter a screened en-
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A replica of the Oval Office was part of the White House Experience at the 2016 Florida State Fair.
closure and get up close and personal with hundreds of butterflies – even feeding the beautiful creatures. Cost conscious fair goers could take advantage of a number of promo-
tions beginning with Heroes Days sponsored by Lazydays RV, which rewarded all active and retired military, police officers, firefighters and first responders with free admission on Opening Day. Wade Shows sponsored a special promotion on Wednesday offering 10 rides for $10. There were also BOGO promotions on ride armbands to entice people to come out on Super Bowl Sunday and the final weekday of the fair. Those 55 and older responded well
to Senior Discount Days, and
everyone benefitted from the $5 Friday after 5pm promotion and a Fam- ily Fun Pack of up to four admission tickets for $20 on the final day. Students from Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee,
Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota County once again enjoyed the privilege of free admission on their designated student day. Agriculture Agriculture, the heart of the Florida State Fair,
is always popular, especially with families and young children. Animal lovers of all ages enjoyed the hands-on experience of the Salute to Agricul- ture tent and Mooternity Ward. A variety of baby critters entered the world right in front of fairgo- ers each and every day. Competitive youth live- stock competitions sponsored by Mosaic culmi- nated into the anticipated Champion of Champi- ons winners. Patrons also saw a wide array of horse shows and dog shows throughout the event. The highpoint of the celebration of all things
agriculture at the Florida State Fair was the presentation of the AG Woman of Year Award to Lisa Hinton by Commissioner Putnam and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Near and dear to the Florida State Fair, Hinton was instrumental in the creation of the Fair’s Champion Youth Program and played a
Tom Umiker with Sabrae Brown and Joyce Covington at the State Fair
The Ag Venture building at the Florida State Fair
role in developing and implementing other important programs, such as the Youth Steer Futurity
cattle, Ag-Venture and the Youth Livestock
Show Ethics Certifications. She joins an elite group of women who have been recognized for their contributions to Florida’s agriculture. There truly was More to Explore at the 2016 Florida State Fair!
that showcases Florida
Federation President
Umiker and State Fair Manager Pesano
FAIRCRACKER-SPRING 2016
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