Maddux NewsWire

TAMPA, FL. – November 4, 2009. The Fairgrounds offers a variety of entertaining indoor and outdoor events taking place in eastern Hillsborough County. A brief listing of the upcoming month’s events is provided followed by a detailed event description.
Nov. 5-8: Tampa Bay RV Show
Nov. 6-8: CFHJA Horse Show
Nov. 6-8: Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market
Nov. 6-8: Super Liquidation Sale
Nov. 7: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
Nov. 7: Fall Rural Life Festival
Nov. 13-15: Dixie Fest & Rib Burn-Off
Nov. 14: Florida 4-H Dog Show
Nov. 14: Pet Adoption Expo
Nov. 14-15: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
Nov. 17: Tampa Bay Senior Expo
Nov. 22: Cheer & Dance Blast
Nov. 25-28: AHAF Thanksgiving Arabian/Half Arabian Horse Show
Nov. 28-29: Buckler’s Craft Fair
Nov. 5-8: Tampa Bay RV Show
The Florida RV Trade Association will unveil the first showing of 2010 RVs in the bay area at the Fairgrounds. View hundreds of new and used motor homes, travel trailers, folding tent campers, and fifth wheels on display outdoors. There will also be booths from companies representing campgrounds, finance, insurance needs, and supplies and accessories for sale. Demos are available for road test. Show hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and free for children less than 16 years of age. Visitors may receive $1 off admission per person on any day with a canned good donation to benefit Metropolitan Ministries. Multiple cans are welcome but there is a maximum discount of $1 off per person. Seniors receive $1 off admission per person on Thursday only. Military, firemen, and police get free admission on Friday only. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online www.frvta.org or call Patty McCarson at 813-741-0488.

Nov. 6-8: CFHJA Horse Show
The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a four-day, USEF sanctioned horse show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Hunter and jumper competitions begin on Thursday and conclude on Sunday. Please check the schedule for competition times and show ring location. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.cfhja.com or call Dani Becker at 813-361-3783. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

Nov. 6-8: Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market
The Junior League of Tampa hosts its 6th annual Holiday Gift Market fundraising event in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. The three-day shopping event features more than 120 specialty merchants from across the country offering unique merchandise such as boutique jewelry, clothing, handbags, home goods, children’s items, gourmet foods, and much more! Event hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission tickets at the door are $5 per adult and children ages 12 and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.jltampa.org, contact Nicole Hubbard via e-mail at ndeloach@yahoo.com or call 813-787-6428.

Nov. 6-8: Super Liquidation Sale
This general merchandise sale offers clothing, computers, computer accessories and car electronics in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Admission price is $8 per person. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Event hours are Friday from Noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, call Aroma Senses at 614-888-7895.

Nov. 7: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
Held in Cracker Country, the hands-on history tours for youth groups are offered the first Saturday of every month, except in February, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Give your youth organization the opportunity to learn about the past and become a part of it. Led by knowledgeable historical interpreters, kids can spend the morning experiencing life as a Florida pioneer through hands-on chores and practices of the late 1800’s. The tour cost is $5 per child and one adult chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions. Additional adults are $5 each. Youth groups may stay after the tour to enjoy the new “Discover the Past” program at no additional cost. Reservations are required in advance with a 10-person minimum per group. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. To make a reservation or for more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org, e-mail Susan Obarski at obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 7: Fall Rural Life Festival
Join us in Cracker Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and find out what it would be like on rural farms of the past. Most big projects on 1898 farms needed lots of hands to complete, that meant a gathering of family, friends and neighbors to share news, stories and work. So, come help us with our fall chores like stuffing scarecrows, grinding corn, making rope, and sewing quilts. Learn about the process of grinding sugar cane to produce cane syrup and have a taste of the finished product. Pitch in on the regular year-round work of butter making and laundry, as well. This program is open to all guests and is an exceptional value. Adult admission tickets are $6 each, children ages six to 12 years old and senior citizens enter for $5, and kids five and under are admitted free. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.crackercountry.org, e-mail Susan Obarski at obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 13-15: Dixie Fest & Rib Burn-Off
Held outdoors at the Fairgrounds, Dixie Fest welcomes people to celebrate their southern pride during this three-day event. Main events scheduled to take place include monster truck rides, battle of the tribute bands, a Miss Dixie beauty contest, Dixie babes bikini contest, a nightly biker parade, a “Southern Boyz” all male revue, a karaoke contest, and a best tattoo artist contest. In addition, there will be a variety of foods, vendors, music and a tribute to the “Sons of Confederate Veterans”. Event hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from Noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m. General admission is $10 each day or $20 for a 3-day admission pass for ages 15 and older, and free admission for children ages 14 and younger. Active military personnel with valid I.D. receive reduced admission for $5 per day. Parking is $3 per motorcycle, $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. To purchase tickets in advance, visit online www.dixiefestnow.com or any Ticketmaster location. Admission tickets purchased for the original October event dates will be honored at the gate. For more information on this event, please e-mail rubinoent@aol.com or call Tony Rubino at 727-657-1670.

Nov. 14: Florida 4-H Dog Show
The Florida 4-H Dog Project will host a benefit dog show held in the Charlie Lykes Arena. Exhibitors will gain show ring experience to prepare them for the upcoming 2010 4-H Dog Show season. Entry fees may apply for participants; admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, go online to www.fl4-h-dog.com, contact Sally Alford Manning by e-mail at horsepny@tampabay.rr.com or call 813-967-1931.

Nov. 14: Pet Adoption Expo
The ASPCA, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and No More Homeless Pets team up to present this one-day adoption event featuring over 40 animal rescue groups with hundreds of animals looking for a good home. Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, there will also be pet demonstrations and vendors with pet specialty items for sale. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this event only. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.humanesocietytampa or call Lisa Knight at 813-367-2078.

Nov. 14-15: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper (SEHJ) Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.sehj.com or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

Nov. 17: Tampa Bay Senior Expo
The Tampa Bay Senior Expo, presented by The St. Petersburg Times, is a special event designed to help seniors find local professionals who offer expertise in financial planning, health, fitness, volunteerism and recreation. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for one day only, there will be free educational seminars, over 100 exhibits, health screenings and giveaways throughout the day. Event hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times. Visitors should enter via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance gate. For more information, visit online www.tampabayexpos.com, contact Dave Labell via e-mail at dlabell@sptimes.com or call 727-893-8523.

Nov. 22: Cheer & Dance Blast
Cheer Champion Express (CCE) will host an officially sanctioned USASF all star event open to all youth Rec cheer & dance teams, school cheer & dance teams, all star cheer & dance teams, dance studios and individual competitors. Individual and team registration fees vary depending on application entry date. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall, event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 each for spectators and children ages five and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.ccecheer.com, e-mail jacalyn@ccecheer.com or call Jacalyn Muir at 813-967-2824.

Nov. 25-28: AHAF Thanksgiving Arabian/Half Arabian Horse Show
The Arabian Horse Association of Florida (AHAF) hosts its annual Thanksgiving horse show featuring Arabian, Half-Arabian and National Show horses from throughout the country. Held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, classes begin each day at 8 a.m. and continue through the evening. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online http://ahaflorida.org/ or call John Gersch at 772-446-6168.

Nov. 28-29: Buckler’s Craft Fair
Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for two days, the Buckler’s Craft Fair offers one-of-a-kind creations and handmade crafts from some of the finest artisans in the nation. Exhibitors will be selling unique items including country-primitive handmade furniture, homemade fudge, gourmet delights, home accessories, gold and silver jewelry, personalized items, pet merchandise and much more. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $6, children ages four to 12 enter for $1, and ages three and younger are admitted free. A hand stamp re-admits visitors all weekend for the event. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.bucklercraftfair.com or call 386-860-0092.

OTHER FAIRGROUNDS NEWS: The 2010 Florida State Fair will take place on February 4-15, 2010 for twelve consecutive days. Vendor space applications for the next Florida State Fair are now available online at http://www.floridastatefair.com/vendor-application. We are now seeking food vendors and local restaurants that can offer unique, authentic foods specifically with Hispanic and African-American influence and flavor. All interested applicants are advised to print, complete and send in their applications immediately as space is limited for new vendors!
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For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, please call the main office number at 813-621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com and click on the Events Calendar. Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Media wishing to cover a Fairgrounds event should contact Denise Shreaves at 813-627-4314 or e-mail shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please call David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003. Media should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance and check in with the security guard to notify the appropriate contact person.

The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) is not responsible for any incorrect or misprinted information regarding events held on the Fairgrounds property which are not organized or managed by the FSFA. The event organizer, not the FSFA, is solely responsible for the advertising of its event and management of exhibitors, vendors, or sponsors participating at an event held at the Fairgrounds. All scheduled times, prices, and any other advertised information is subject to change and/or cancel without notice.

The Florida State Fair Authority is a non-profit organization which operates primarily from revenues generated from the annual State Fair and other ongoing operations during the year. Presently, the FSFA does not receive any state tax appropriations from Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, nor the State of Florida. The FSFA operates the Florida State Fairgrounds year-round in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority Board, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.

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