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FAIR FACTOR

Fred Bellet/The Tampa Tribune

The 61st annual Pasco County Fair runs through Feb. 24 in Dade City

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By PAUL CATALA, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 19, 2008

Updated: 02/19/2008 09:54 am

DADE CITY - Sure, there will be thrill rides, livestock judging and sales, and greasy-but-good food.

But this year, there will be a few bumps and melodies added to the fun at the Pasco County Fair.

This year, the fair, which starts today and runs through Sunday, will include a first-ever demolition derby and a battle of the bands.

The demolition derby will be at 2 p.m. Sunday. More than 20 cars will bang it out to see who lasts on their wheels the longest. Then at 6 p.m. Wednesday, area bands will compete for recognition and respect.

Visitors can expect "nonstop fun" on and around the midway and the fairgrounds' 40 acres, fair president Wilton Simpson said.

"We've been continually improving the fairgrounds to make them aesthetically nice, as well as more comfortable for fairgoers," he said. "We think everyone will be impressed."

The fair has made $70,000 in upgrades to the livestock areas and additional men's and women's restrooms. That's part of $350,000 the fair has invested in the past three to four years.

Organizers are hoping the improvements and new entertainment options push total attendance to 50,000. Last year's fair drew 45,000 people - 4,000 more than in 2006.

This year, gate admission includes three daily shows, such as the Fearless Flores Thrill Show, a family daredevil act that features motorcycle high-wire riding and the "Globe of Death," where four motorcycles simultaneously drive loops inside a wire cage. Other acts include the Blaszak Tigers; bluegrass, folk and gospel performers; magician Ron Diamond; a rodeo; and motorcycle and quad races.

Of course, the fair will include the events people expect to see every year, such as the youth dairy, goat and hog shows and sales; plant, poultry and rabbit shows and sales; plus the annual Miss Pasco County and Miss Pasco County Fair pageant, which will be at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Then there are the rides - more than 30 of them - and about 40 food vendors selling favorites such as corn dogs, elephant ears, fried chicken and strawberry pizza.

There'll even be an art exhibit, featuring the works of professional and amateur artists from Pasco County.

"It's going to be exciting," concessions manager Jim Ward said. "You're talking about a fair that's been around a long time. This draws people together; that's the best thing."

PASCO COUNTY FAIR

WHERE: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City

HOURS: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. The midway opens at 3 p.m. Monday, 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Exhibits close at 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday.

ADMISSION: $7 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 12. Wristbands for unlimited rides cost $15 Monday to Thursday and $20 Friday to Sunday and do not include gate admission.

PARKING: Free parking off State Road 52

INFORMATION: www.pascocountyfair.com or (352) 567-6678

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