Newstalk Florida – N

Florida State Fair starts Thursday, February 7 and goes till the 18th. You’ll be able to sample some funnel cakes or Redneck Burgers or test a few Midway rides under mostly sunny and warm skies. The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state’s best in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. Excitement is in the air all over the fairgrounds with plenty of free entertainment included with admission. Make sure to plan your day in advance to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes the state fair has to offer. Parking is free during the Fair.

While some headline entertainment for the 2013 Florida State Fair is free, regular fair admission is required. Some shows require a special ticket in addition to fair admission. Special shows and entertainment includes:

• Monday, Feburary 11 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Entertainment Hall. ($15 VIP seating, $10 reserved seating and limited FREE Mezzanine level bleacher seating.)
• Tuesday, February 12 – Bellamy Brothers Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Entertainment Hall. ($15 VIP seating, $10 reserved seating and limited FREE Mezzanine level bleacher seating.)
• Wednesday, February 13 – Country Gold Tour at Noon and 4:00 p.m. in the Entertainment Hall. ($15 VIP seating, $10 reserved seating.)
• Thursday, February 14 – Less Than Jake at 7:30PM in the Entertainment Hall. ($15 VIP seating, $10 reserved seating and limited FREE Mezzanine level bleacher seating.)
• Monday, February 18 – LeAnn Rimes Concert at 7:30PM in the Entertainment Hall. ($35 VIP seating, $30 premium reserved seating and $25 reserved seating.)

Of course, free attractions and performances both indoors and out are on tap daily throughout the fairgrounds, including daily parades, bands and crafts and returning favorites.

Games, shows, live entertainment and one of the largest midways in the country will be waiting for you in Tampa Bay when the 2013 Florida State Fair kicks off on Feb. 7. The Florida State Fairhas been a Tampa tradition since 1904.  For 12 days and nights, nearly a half million people will experience all that this annual festival has to deliver, and you will want to make sure you are one of them as excitement fills every corner of the Fair.First held with just a few exhibits and agricultural displays, the Fair still salutes the state’s agriculture and equestrian industries. You’re guaranteed to see lots of animals, but that’s just the start.  There is plenty of entertainment included with your admission.You will want to take advantage of Discount Days, an Arts and Crafts Showcase, Free Special Attractions, Student, Senior and Military Days, Horse Shows and Livestock Shows, an Exotic Petting Zoo, fireworks, Cheer & Dance Competitions and much more!

Even history buffs will find something fun at the Fair! In honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida, try your hand at the “ConquistaTOUR” Treasure Hunt, which uses Smartphone technology to guide you through the fairgrounds.

The “Edutainment” show will help you explore Florida’s history. This Broadway-style show will feature a timeline of Florida history, from Ponce De Leon’s landing near St. Augustine to present day, in a dramatic setting that is sure to entertain the entire family.

Make sure to plan your day in advance to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes the Florida State Fair offers. And while one day won’t be enough to explore everything, give yourself at least that much time to try!