Introducing The 2013 Florida State Fair

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating the 500^th anniversary of the arrival of Juan Ponce De Leon in Florida, this year's 109th Annual Florida State Fair invites everyone to "Discover the Fun."  "Florida: 500 Years In the Making" recognizes the statewide, year-long celebration of Viva Florida 500, a commemoration of Florida's rich heritage and diverse cultural history throughout 2013.  From February 7 – 18, the Florida State Fair deserves a top spot on the calendar as THE go-to destination for fun in February.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130116/FL43745 )

The Florida State Fair is pleased to announce that two-time Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes will perform one show on February 18, 2013 at 7:30 pm in the Entertainment Hall. Table seating will provide an intimate setting for this rare Fair appearance. To purchase tickets or to reserve tables for four, visit www.floridastatefair.com. It's a bit of homecoming for the fair and Ms. Rimes, who last performed at the Florida State Fair in 1997. Just a few months after that performance, she won her first Grammy. She was only 14 years old. If you missed her most recent performance in the Tampa Bay area, this past November, here's a chance to see her for a THIRD of the cost of her last show. LeAnn Rimes' appearance is a terrific highlight of the other fantastic shows expected in this year's new concert series to include Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas and the Bellamy Brothers, among others.

TICKETS to see Leann Rimes are on sale now:       

• $25, $35 for individual tickets and $140 per table (seats 4)
• Concert tickets may be purchased ONLINE, at Fairgrounds Box Office or by phone (813-740-4640).
• Tables may be purchased at the Fairgrounds Box Office or by phone only (813-740-4640).

The 2013 Florida State Fair will showcase new and unique agricultural and cultural exhibits such as the new "Discovery Center," a Tampa Bay History Center curated exhibit, and a traveling exhibit celebrating "Florida Agriculture: 500 Years in the Making" hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Get a map at the entrance and explore the "ConquistaTOUR," a self-guided adventure through the State Fair including the new Florida Cattlemen's Museum, Florida's Learning Garden and Cow Hunter's Camp in Cracker Country. In addition, fairgoers will "Discover Florida" with a Broadway-style musical performance certain to please those who want to learn more about Florida.  

Fairgoers can also expect the traditional favorites such as thrilling rides, shopping in Expo Hall, arts and crafts, a giant sand sculpture, tropical fish, the "Mooternity Ward," horse shows, lots of animals and live entertainment. Visitors will also find a variety of extraordinary foods, from the traditional corn dog to chocolate-covered bacon and a line-up of new Fair burgers by Carousel Foods – this year – it's the "Burger with Red Neck Attitude" that's making a statement -- a fresh burger with cheese, bacon, fried bologna, baked beans, and topped with potato sticks. Yummy Yehaw! -   This year's fair provides many new ways to "Discover the Fun".

The State Fair's "COWquistador" logo is a tribute to the European's influence in the Sunshine State, as well as a symbol of the state's rich agricultural heritage.

"The Florida State Fair is not only a destination where families can find good food and great adventures; it's also a celebration of Florida's rich agricultural heritage," said Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

For more information, go to www.floridastatefair.com and Like the State Fair on facebook.com/floridastatefairgrounds.

The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) operates from revenues generated from the annual State Fair and other ongoing operations during the year.  Although the FSFA is an instrumentality of the state of Florida, it does not receive any annual tax appropriations from the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County or the state of Florida.  The FSFA operates the Florida State Fairgrounds under the direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For More Media Information: 
Lynn Kilroy – 813.610.3211/WILSONmedia  
[email protected]

SOURCE The Florida State Fair Authority