Today, we’re exploring one of Cory’s childhood favorites, The Florida State Fair! It’s opening day and we are thrilled. Cory and his family tell me there is absolutely nothing like it, and judging by the sheer size of the fairgrounds, I only assume they are right. My plan is to eat my way through the event, take in the fun sights, and ride all the rides I can!
Please watch my YouTube coverage for more!
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Getting to the Fair
The Florida State Fairgrounds open from 10AM to 11PM and lay adjacent to I-4 and I-75, at 4800 US-301, Tampa, Florida. Stretching across 330 acres, this sprawling barrel of fun contains everything from barns, to a living history museum, to multiple exhibition halls, to rides, and to seemingly endless avenues of fried food.
A Few Notes About Attending
I pleasantly report that on-site parking is free to all attendees. If you can, I suggest going on the weekdays, where adult admission is discounted to $11 per person and a wristband to ride all the rides costs $25 ($6 and $25 for children under 12); otherwise, you’ll pay $14 and $35 for admission and rides, respectively ($8 and $35 for children). Strangely enough, if you’re a vlogger without a press pass, you’ll have to leave any tripods/selfie sticks/etc. at home — albeit not listed in their prohibited items.
Why Go?
1) The Food Is Top Notch Fair-fare!
Don’t expect to keep your diet going here. This fried, breaded, and dipped in cheese smorgasbord was not for the weak of heart. I made a point of testing everything I could — my stomach practically filled to the bursting point.
While I didn’t grab pics of everything, my favorites were the 6″ lamb gyro at The Greek Garden, the fried cheese curd bucket with jalapeño cheddar dip at The Hot Wisconsin Cheese, the chocolate covered bacon on a stick, and the butterscotch ice cream in a rainbow sprinkled waffle cone.
Pro Tips:
Ice cream – the cake cones were so stale, Cory’s mom, Stephanie, spit hers out, but the specialty waffle cones were fresh and delicious.
Bottled water – the water costs $3 a bottle throughout the fair, but there’s a cigarette and snacks shop on the grounds that sells them for $1.
2) Perfect Place for People Perusing
“There was a woman in a bra,” Stephanie exclaimed. “They make nice bras these days,” Cory answered, jokingly.
If you enjoy people watching, this is the ideal locale for you. The fair attracts a wide array of the population, bringing you eyebites from all walks of life. Sights for every flavor await your attention.
3) The Rides are Plentiful and Exhilarating
Who doesn’t love a thrill? — apparently, all the people I came with! Getting folks to join me was like pulling teeth, but there’s a good reason for that: the varied rides thrill stupendously.
One flings you, herdling through the air, strapped to a seat at the end of a long, catapult-like rod. Another twirls, spins, and hurls you around on the edges of starfish-like arms, twisting around a wildly gyrating pendulum. Another still undulates you, as if strapped to the varied appendages of an angry octopus.
Rides for all ages and levels of grit excite — even a farmhouse on a tornado!
4) Education on the Menu
Whether you want to learn about milking a cow, to time travel back to the 1800s, or to discover the shrill, discordant cry of a llama, the Florida State Fair has it all.
The fairgrounds contain several barns, housing animals of all sorts; they house cows, and pigs, and chickens, and horses, and llamas, and bunnies, and more … oh my! Being a city boy myself, I can safely say I popped my ‘being licked by a cow’ cherry, and I even learned their tongues are rough like a cat’s. Many new things to explore wait around every bend.
A permanent installation on the grounds, Cracker Country, a rural living history museum, transports you back to the 1890s, with 13 original buildings dating from 1870-1912, which were relocated from across the state. The buildings are equipped with historically appropriate furnishings, and costumed actors even portray Florida pioneers, accurately recreating lifestyles of the past for your edification.
5) The Shopping is Lit
In the expo center and dotted throughout the park, numerous vendors sell their wares. Some notable items were slushy wine mixers, antler ice cream scoops, handmade leather bags, and vinyl records artistically carved.
Timely and exquisite, one of my favorites was scented hand sanitizers with fabulous fragrances, the fine formulations of Always Rich Creations owner and creator, Amber Rich.
6) Shows and Events
Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to watch any of the shows, but I understand the events calendar is packed with tons of fun. Personally, I wanted to watch the Hollywood Pigs, Disc Connected K9’s, Gascar Crazy Animal Races, and the X-Treme Flight Club; but, there are many, many more. Needless to say, you’d need more than one day to see it all.
My Take
I have attended my ‘fair’ share of fairs, and this is one of the most enthralling. If you happen to be in Florida during the 12 days a year this phenomenal event takes place, I suggest you make the stop. Also:
- It’s best enjoyed if you splurge on the wristband, as the rides are overpriced from an individual ticket standpoint.
- The food is on point and exactly what you’d want out of fair fare.
- Don’t forget to make time to take in a few of their shows.
This event is Chua approved!
