Fairs can be a great learning opportunity for children and adults alike! While many people think of the rides and cotton candy first, attending a fair is actually a really great opportunity to get familiar with Florida agriculture, encourage student exhibitors and even bid on their projects. Participants are exposed to many different activities that make each fairground unique.
The Florida State Fair is held every February in Tampa. This fair attracts visitors and exhibitors from around the state. If you are dabbling in agriculture or considering starting a farm, the Florida State Fair features hundreds of educational opportunities to learn- from agricultural products, horticulture shows, and many displays, including tools, machinery and equipment, livestock shows, and auctions. See the exhibits and relax in the afternoon with music and a great variety of food options.
Animals of all shapes and sizes
One of the best opportunities to get familiar with different types of livestock breeds is to check out the animal exhibits at the fair. If you get excited about unusual poultry or bunnies, this is a great place to see them in person. Thinking about raising a “strange bird”? Check out the Livestock Conservancy to find out more about raising heritage breeds and other genetic conservation efforts: https://livestockconservancy.org/.
Florida State Fair 2019: February 7 – 18
Monday through Thursday, gates open at 10:00 a.m.
Midway opens at 1:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, admission gates will close between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m.
The Midway will close approximately 1-1/2 hours after the admission gates close, weather permitting.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and President’s Day, gates open at 9:00 a.m.
Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, admission gates will close between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
On President’s Day, admission gates will close at 9:00 p.m.
The Midway will close approximately 1-1/2 hours after the admission gates close, weather permitting.
Address: 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North Tampa, Florida 33610
Agriculture Activities:
- Youth Skilathon
- Youth Steer
- Youth Swine
- Youth Sheep and Market Lamb Show
- Beef Show
- Dairy Show
- Dairy Goat Show
- Pygmy Goat Show
- Boer Goat Show
- Poultry Show
- Rabbit Show
- FFA/4-H Judging Contest
- Purebred Dog Exhibition
- Youth Dog Show
- Llama Show
- Hay Bale Decorating Contest
Find out more about the Florida State Fair: http://www.floridastatefairag.com/home
Looking for your local fair?
See a statewide list of fairs and livestock shows at https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/Fairs-and-Livestock-Shows-in-Florida
Inspired to raise your own animals or plants?
Check out the Production information on the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises website here: https://smallfarm.ifas.ufl.edu/production/
Looking to touch base with the 4H program?
Many of the projects seen at fairs are as a result of projects done through 4-H or FFA. The 4-H program is a Youth Development Program conducted through UF/IFAS Extension and FAMU. See more about that program here: http://florida4h.org/
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