January Events at the Florida State Fairgrounds

Ongoing: Afternoons in the Country

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday folks can re-live Florida’s rural past in Cracker Country. Visitors can learn about life in the 1890s through costumed historical interpretations in select areas, as an audio history tour highlights the day. Hours are 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person and includes the use of the audio history tour CD and player. Groups of 10 or more should call 813-627-4225 for a reservation. Parking is free; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information, call 813-627-4225 or visit www.crackercountry.org.

Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show

The prestigious Winter Quarter Horse Circuit takes place throughout the entire Bob Thomas Equestrian Center and attracts quarter horse owners, trainers and riders from across the country to compete in English, Western, Driving, Reining, Trail and Working Cow Horse classes. Events take place throughout the seven days and class times vary. Attendance and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information, visit www.fqha.net; or contact Peg Edmondson at 941-484-4687 or Medmondson333@aol.com.

Jan. 3 – Jan. 8: FQHA Gulf Coast Circuit Quarter

Horse Show The circuit features three split combined shows for English and Western classes. The English Days are on Jan. 3, 5 and 7 and Western Days are Jan. 4, 6 and 8. Events begin at 8:00 a.m. daily and take place throughout the entire Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. There is no cost for spectators to attend and parking is free. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information, visit www.fqha.net; or contact Peg Edmonson at 941-484-4687 or Medmonson333@aol.com.

Jan. 5 – Jan. 7: Country Folk Art Show

Visitors will see hand-crafted folk arts and crafts by many local and national artisan-exhibitors during this show at the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Show hours are Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $6 on Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Hand stamp readmits patrons for the entire weekend. Discount admission coupons are available online. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Boulevard entrance.

For more information, visit www.countryfolkart.com; or contact the show office staff at 248-634-4151, ext. 626 or info@countryfolkart.com.

Jan. 9 – Jan. 30: Dog Training Classes

Dog Training Classes are now being held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30 in the Covered Ring at the Charlie Lykes Arena. Registration is from 7:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The class runs from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For a small fee participants can bring their dogs and receive training in dog conformation. Classes are instructed by Brandon Kennel Club members, to educate adults and youth who are interested in learning more about showing their dogs. In addition, classes for 4-H members (children ages eight to 18) are held at 6:30 p.m. and are instructed by 4-H leaders. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information on training class fees and schedules, contact Sally Alford Manning at horsepny@tampabay.rr.com or 813-967-1931.

Jan. 17 – Jan. 21: 2007 Florida RV Supershow

The Florida RV Trade Association hosts their largest annual event held indoors and outdoors throughout the Fairgrounds. More than 1,300 brand new 2007 recreational vehicles in all sizes and price ranges will be on display and for sale. The show includes daily door prizes, non-stop entertainment, seminars and family fun. Show hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults for a two-day pass; children 16 and younger are admitted free. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day; all seniors will receive $1 off the price of admission. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 or MLK, Jr. Boulevard entrances.

For more information, contact Lesa Colvin at 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.

Jan. 24 – 25: Senior Fest

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Senior Connection will present the 2nd Annual Senior Fun Fest in Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. This event will feature over 200 “senior-friendly” exhibitors with information on senior services, lifestyles, health and wellness, travel and much more! Free live entertainment and games include bingo, arts and crafts, photo contest for grandchildren, Charmonizers Barbershop Quartet, Fritzy the “One Man Circus” and thousands in prizes and giveaways. The Tampa Tribune Senior Fun Walk will kick off the fun on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free on both days and parking is complimentary courtesy of Wellcare. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance.

For more information, call 727-595-5455 or visit www.SrMagazine.com.

Jan. 26 – 28: Tampa Bay Antique and Collectibles Fair

Held in Entertainment Hall, this event will feature more than 120 indoor and outdoor dealers from across the United States with a variety of items for sale or trade including furniture, jewelry, silverware, glassware and much more! Some highlights include a Florida Treasure show, Florida Highwaymen art from the 1950s, and classic cars from the 1920s and 1930s. Nationally known appraiser, Harry Rinker, HGTV’s “Collector Inspector,” will be offering appraisals on all types of antiques and collectibles during select hours both days. Show hours are Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $9 per adult or $8 for seniors older than 62, and children 12 and younger are admitted free. Admission is good for both days and parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. To receive a free parking rebate, turn in a parking ticket at the admission window. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Boulevard entrance.

For more information, visit www.21centuryexpo.com or call 727-345-6627.

Jan. 27 – 28: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show

The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) Horse Show will feature horses and riders competing in both flat and over-fence classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Competition begins at 8:00 a.m. both days. There is no charge for spectators to attend. Parking is free and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.

For more information, visit www.pcha-fl.org or contact Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664.

Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. To cover Ford Amphitheatre events, please contact David Harb at 813-740-2446. For all other events, please enter the grounds via the Orient Road gate and sign in with the security guard.

For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, call 813-621-7821; check the Fairgrounds Info Line at 813-622-7275; or log on to www.floridastatefair.com and click on Calendar of Events. Media contact is Lizz Harmon, HarmonTampa PR at 813-288-6909 or lizz@harmontampa.com.

The Florida State Fair Authority operates the Florida State Fairgrounds, in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner.

All images are copyright The Tampa Guide unless otherwise noted.