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Still Time To Nosh, Ride And Spin

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

dlwhite@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

TAMPA - Call it the "debutante ball for agricultural services."

That's how Paul Wilson sees the Florida State Fair. His company, Wilson Media, is handling publicity for the fair, which started Thursday and runs through Monday at the fairgrounds, just east of Brandon off U.S. 301 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The exhibits of pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats and cows courtesy of middle and high school FFA and 4H clubs will abound again this year, serving as a major showcase for Florida's agricultural backbone.

But Wilson said it's not just about farm exhibits.

The midway rides will hurtle thrill-seekers through the air at breakneck speeds. Visitors can gobble forbidden foods such as Italian sausage sandwiches, elephant ears, cotton candy and walking tacos - and a newcomer this year, chocolate-covered bacon.

There also will be Vegas-style entertainment at a fraction of Vegas prices.

And all in one location that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the fair each year.

Last year, more than 480,000 people attended during the 12-day run, the fourth-largest attendance in the fair's 105-year history. And it's one of the biggest state fairs in the country, comparable to fairs held in Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Capitalizing on the Feb. 1 Super Bowl in Tampa, the theme of this year's fair is Touchdown Tampa Bay and will include the Vegas-style show, "Blitz, A Tribute to Halftime Shows," to attract visitors who haven't yet gotten their fill of football.

"I think we're going to see the afterglow from the Super Bowl," Wilson said. "People are going to be looking for some fun on a community level, something that's affordable."

And, at $10 for the adult entry fee and $25 for an all-you-can-ride armband, Wilson said the cost isn't a deterrent during these hard economic times.

"It's still the best bargain around," he said.

"It's a big party on multiple levels," Wilson said. "There is something for everyone. You can get your teeth whitened. You can check with the Florida Department of Financial Services to see if you have any unclaimed assets. And you can swim with live sharks in a shark tank," Wilson said.

Last year, his staff asked fairgoers their reasons for visiting. He said the top reasons were family fun and food. Residents won't be disappointed this year on that score, he said. In addition to the usual favorite fair fare, Lakeland resident Cindy Griffen of Mavric's Chocolate Barn will introduce chocolate-dipped bacon to go along with her Oreos, strawberries and pretzels.

"They're really very good," Wilson said, "the perfect combination of sweet and salty."

The second most-popular reason for visiting the fair was the rides and entertainment. This year's fair has that covered as well. Back by popular demand is the Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator National Finals on Saturday and Sunday, featuring the top Elvis Presley impersonators from across the country.

For seven years, Brandon resident Brigitte Mailahn and daughter Melanie have been among the first in line at the fairgrounds' opening day.

The tradition began when her daughter was in high school and entered her cross-stitch work in the fair's sewing competition, winning a ribbon. The next year, Mailahn, a fine artist, joined her daughter, entering the decorative painting competition. Both mother and daughter won awards.

"Now, on opening day, my daughter takes off work and we go to the fair, eat an elephant ear and have a cup of coffee, and check out what we've won," Mailahn said.

In addition to a cross-stitch entry, Mailahn's daughter entered the baking contest. Mailahn entered four works in decorative painting, fine art and china-painting competitions.

Although neither mother nor daughter cares much for roller coasters or Ferris wheels, they look forward all year to entering the fair competitions.

"It's just nice to get recognition," Mailahn said.

Fair tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.floridastatefair.com.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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