Florida State Fair Always in February, always in Tampa, always



Super Fair: February 4-15, 2010

The year was 1904. The American flag had 45 stars, Theodore Roosevelt was president and the average American earned just 22 cents an hour. That year, what would be later known as the Florida State Fair opened its gates in Tampa. Since then, there has been incredible inventions, wars, social change and musical styles that have rocked each generation. Still, the Florida State Fair remains a showcase of the best the state has to offer.
Fairgoers can enjoy a spacious midway that provides more than 100 rides and games and there is nothing like fair food – cotton candy, ice cream, and things fried that you never thought of frying. Exhibitors come from all over the state to continue the tradition of showing off their handiwork, children participating in 4H and FFA are eager to show their skills and animals, and a visit to the Florida State Fair isn't complete without stepping back in time in Cracker Country – a rustic turn-of-the-century village.
In a throwback to more than 70 years ago during the Great Depression when the very first superheroes debuted, the Florida State Fair is hoping to "save the day" from such villains as high prices and recessionary gloom with their 2010 logo featuring three "superhero" types and the theme: "Super Fair — Super Fun — Super Value!"
Entertainment

While some headline entertainment for the 2010 Florida State Fair is free, regular fair admission is required. One show requires a special ticket in addition to fair admission. The line-up has not been announced.
New to the fair this year will be helicopter rides featuring the original Batcopter used in the TV series Batman. The ride will offer fair visitors an aerial tour of the Florida State Fair and surrounding grounds..
Of course, free attractions and performances are on tap daily throughout the fairgrounds, including daily parades, bands and crafts and returning favorites include:
  • Country Gold Tour Concert
  • FCW Wrestling
  • Fiesta Gigante Day
  • Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator National Finals
  • Plus much more!
Admission & Information

Advance admission tickets for the Fair will be on sale beginning January 2, 2010 at Sweetbay Supermarkets (throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands Counties) through February 3; or online through . Save up to 33% by purchasing advance tickets. Midway ride tickets and concert tickets do not include fair admission.
Directions

The Florida State Fair is located just seven miles east of downtown Tampa with access via I-75, I-4, Hwy. 301, and Martin Luther King Blvd (Hwy. 574). Parking is FREE with wheelchair accessible parking spaces available at each gate. There is a FREE weekend park and ride shuttle service that runs continuously between Highland Oaks (I-75 at Hwy. 574 Exit) and the entrance gate from 9:00 a.m. until midnight. Gates open daily at 9:00 a.m. The Midway opens at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday through Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Expo Hall is open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily. Most other exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Cracker Country is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.