TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fair Warning: Deadlines Are Approaching

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

DADE CITY - It's 12 days and counting until county fairgoers can "Rock Around the Stock."

That's the theme of the 61st annual fair and of the downtown parade that signals a start to the festivities.

Civic organizations, businesses, schools and other groups can join the march down Seventh Street - and compete for trophies - by submitting applications before the 5 p.m. Feb. 15 deadline.

Entry in the parade is free and applications are available at www.pascocountyfair.com or at the fair office, 36722 State Road 52. The initial lineup will be based on entries received as of Friday.

The parade entry that judges say best depicts the theme will get a trophy, as will winners in these other categories: best of parade; best civic unit; best commercial unit; best marching high school band; best marching middle school band; and best equestrian unit.

After the 1 p.m. parade Feb. 18, the fair will open at 3 p.m. that day and continue through Feb. 24.

OH, BABY, YOU SHOULD BE IN PAGEANTS: Feb. 15 also is the deadline to enter little darlings in the Baby Pageant, one of the fair's most popular events. The field, however, is limited to the first 25 boys and 25 girls to register in each of six age groups.

A $25 nonrefundable entry fee must accompany each registration form. The pageant - set for 1 p.m. Feb. 24 - is open to newborns through 5-year-olds whose parents have lived in Pasco County for the past six months.

A prince and princess will be selected from the oldest group of contestants to ride on the fair's float at various parades over the next year and to attend other functions. Other pageant winners will receive trophies, and all entrants get keepsakes.

SECURE A SPOT ON THE BACK PORCH: Pasco residents 18 and older who want to show off their handiwork should deliver their heirloom arts and other items to the fairgrounds between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and noon and 4 p.m. Feb. 15. (Bring baked goods on the later date.)

Other homemade pieces such as needlework, quilts, woodwork, ceramics, plants, crafts, wines and liquors, canning, sewing and theme table settings also will be displayed, judged and awarded during the fair in the building dubbed The Back Porch. All entries must have been created by the exhibitor since the 2007 fair.

Judging will be on workmanship, originality of design, harmony of color, materials and other attributes. Grand champion rosettes will go to the outstanding article in each section for which there are at least three entries. A reserve grand champion will be named if there's a tie and the items are judged to be of exceptional quality. Quality is also the standard for handing out Award of Excellence rosettes.

A People's Choice Award will be presented Feb. 24.

DOES THIS COLLAR MAKE MY NECK LOOK FAT? Pet parents have until Feb. 14 to sign up their precious Kit Cats and Bow Wows for shows on Feb. 23 in the fairgrounds' Dan Cannon Auditorium. The $15 fee includes one gate admission to the fair and a parking pass.

The just-for-fun Feline Fine Cat Show - chaired by Charlene Smith of Miami Cat Fanciers - is from 10 a.m. to noon. The equally good natured Rock Around the Dog Show will kick tail and take names at 12:30 p.m. Jennifer Frum is in charge of the canine competition.

An "Overall Best Cat" will be chosen from among winners of these categories: smallest cat; largest cat; best trick; most obedient; best costume; best look-alike costume; longest tail; and shortest tail. Going wet nose to wet nose, pooches will try to sniff out a victory as "Best Overall Dog" by finishing first in their category: smallest dog; largest dog; fastest eater; best trick; most obedient; most vocal; best costume; longest tail; and shortest tail.

A FULL WEEK OF UNLIMITED SPINS, DROPS, SQUEALS: For the first time, thrill seekers can purchase unlimited-ride wristbands for each of the fair's seven days.

Get them at a discount - for $12 - through Feb. 15. Those vouchers are good only Feb. 18-21, redeemable on the midway. Even with a voucher, fairgoers must pay an additional $5 to use them on Feb. 22-24.

Wristbands purchased during the fair will cost $15 each day from Feb. 18-21, and $20 each day Feb. 22-24. The wristband price doesn't include gate admission, which will be $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 through 12.

Print an order blank from the fair's Web site and mail or fax it to the fairgrounds office, which is also where patrons must pick up their vouchers. Orders paid by check are due at the office by Friday.

W.G. Wade Shows will operate the midway from 3 to 11 p.m. Feb. 18; 4 to 11 p.m. Feb. 19-21; 4 p.m. to midnight Feb. 22; 10 a.m. to midnight Feb. 23; and noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 24.

On that final day, children will be admitted to the fairgrounds for free with a paying adult.

ALL'S FAIR IN PASCO

WHAT: 61st annual Pasco County Fair

WHEN: Feb. 18 through 24

WHERE: Fairgrounds on State Road 52 next to Pasco High School in Dade City
FAIR OFFICE: 26722 State Road 52, Dade City FL 33525

INFO LINE: (352) 567-6678

FAIR FAX: (352) 523-1807

ONLINE: www.pascocountyfair.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT