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It's Time For Florida Fair Fare

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

The Florida State Fair began Thursday and runs through Feb. 18.

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 8, 2008

Updated: 02/07/2008 11:35 pm

TAMPA - Life doesn't get much better than this, 13-year-old Hill Middle School student Phil Guarino declared after wolfing down a deep-fried, sugar-coated funnel cake and then taking a gut-wrenching ride down a giant slide.

Of course, the fact he and fellow members of the Hill Middle School Concert and Symphonic Band got to miss school to attend opening day at the Florida State Fair on Thursday figured into Guarino's good mood. Band members performed at the opening ceremonies, then were treated to free admission.

No one could keep Mike Adkins of Clearwater away from this year's fair. He has been a regular every year for nearly a quarter century.

"I don't do rides anymore, but I still love the junk food and I love to people watch," he said.

Shirley Alsman and Ron Wojciehowski of Largo tagged along with him. As they waited for Alsman to finish an eclair from the Alessi's Bakery booth, Wojciehowski and Adkins planned the rest of the day's menu: corn dogs, onion rings, fresh-squeezed lemonade and elephant ears.

Meanwhile, the Bancrofts of Valrico had just walked through the gates and were perusing the fair guide, deciding what they should see first. Claire Bancroft teaches her three children, David, 14; Nathan, 12; and Lydia, 11, at home and decided to combine a day of education and fun. Her parents, Fred and Marilyn Counter of Punta Gorda, joined the fun.

They agreed there was no shortage of educational exhibits. Fred Counter, a history buff, was eager to tour Cracker Country, an 1800s Florida village with hands-on farm, saddle-making and candle-dipping demonstrations. The boys, however, were eager to see the wildlife exhibit.

Combining teaching moments with entertainment wasn't an original idea. Students from all over the county flocked to the fair on opening day, including a class from Mango Elementary School.

Walk With The Animals

"It's fun," said second-grader Paige Moore, inspecting a Brahman bull in the Charlie Lykes Arena. "I never saw cows like this before."

Seven-year-old Bethalan Bishop of Trenton could tell Moore everything she needed to know. She has shown cattle since she was 3 years old. Dressed in cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and western-style shirt, the 40-pound youngster confidently led her 1,000-pound Brahman into the arena for judging and walked away with a second-place ribbon.

Her sisters, Briana, 16, and Brandalyn, 12, also show cattle. The girls are the fifth generation in their family to live on a farm, and are encouraged to participate in livestock competitions to develop character and build commitment, said their mother, Christel Bishop.

The fair also gives youngsters who live a more suburban lifestyle opportunities to work with livestock.

That's the case for some students in the Brandon High School FFA chapter, said member Rebekah Tarnowski, who was hanging out in the goat and sheep tent with fellow FFA members Lauren Wofford and Daniel Perez. The Brandon FFA brought seven goats to the fair.

"The FFA Alumni Association sponsors the goats, paying for their feed, and we raise them at school," Tarnowski said.

Medals, Wines And Ribbons

About 1,400 students will participate in competitions during this year's state fair, said Doyle E. Carlton III, the fair's executive director. Adults also will compete in everything from swing dancing to quilting, plant, art and woodcarving exhibits.

Variety is one of the state fair's major draws, he said.

"There's something for everyone. I think that's why we have so many people coming back each year," he said. "There is such a variety, from the tried-and-true agricultural exhibits to this year's new Las Vegas Revue. It's always a good value for the entire family."

After winning three gold medals for his homemade wine last year, Dallas Baker of Tampa entered 13 more wines in the 20th annual Florida State Fair International Wine and Grape Juice Competition. More than 200 wines made by hobbyists and 1,600 commercial wines were entered in the contest, said Dee Roberson of Brandon, executive director of the Home Wine and Beer Trade Association.

Baker will have to wait until the judging Saturday to find out if he's a winner. His wife, Nobuko, was luckier. Artwork was judged before the fair opened. Her displays of Japanese pressed flowers were adorned with two blue ribbons.

The fair runs through Feb. 18. Gates open at 9 a.m. For events and schedules, visit www.floridastatefair.com.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

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