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County Fair Weathers The Economy, Cold

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: February 26, 2009

DADE CITY - About 40,000 people attended the Pasco County Fair last week, roughly the same turnout as a year ago.

Given the struggling economy and frigid Friday-night temperatures that drove some rodeo fans from the stands, that was enough for organizers to declare the 62nd-annual county fair a success.

"There was some rain on Thursday before the fair, and it was very cold Friday night for the rodeo, but all things considered, we're pretty happy," said Wilton Simpson, chairman of the fair association. "The rodeo and demolition derby were very successful, and the entertainment was well-received. We really didn't hear any complaints.

"What we're most proud of is we did very well in steer and swine sales, and the plant sale went well. Obviously, we're an agricultural fair, so part of our job is to educate the public and kids on agricultural issues."

Leanne John, chairwoman of the rodeo committee, said this year's event drew about 100 more competitors than last year. That created parking issues for competitors, some of whom traveled from as far away as Oregon, Canada and Maine.

"But that's a good problem to have," John said. "And people were very cooperative and understanding."

By the time the rodeo finished up, about 2 a.m. Saturday, the temperature had dropped to 33 degrees, and only the die-hard fans were left in the once-jammed grandstands.

Still, the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" event, where cowboys and spectators were encouraged to wear pink, raised $250 for the American Cancer Society.

Weather was nearly perfect for the rodeo finals Saturday afternoon.

"Saturday was standing room only," John said. "We'll be adding a few different things for next year, but we're not sure what just yet."

For the second straight year, Jeremy Graves of Zephyrhills drove a car decorated by art students at West Zephyrhills Elementary School in the Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby.

Decorated in an "Aladdin" theme, the 1974 Buick Century, with 350 horses under the hood, featured a papier mache genie bolted to the roof and a monkey on the hood.

Tara Graves, Jeremy's wife, said the genie remained intact through the first heat, but it came off when Graves was slammed against a wall in the consolation round.

What happened next could inspire a TV commercial.

"Afterward, some little boy wanted the genie, so Jeremy gave it to him," she said.

Graves' derby ride earned West Zephyrhills a trophy for the best-decorated car and $100 for the school.

Simpson is already thinking about next year's fair.

"The entertainment will change somewhat, as it does every year," he said. "But we hope to have the rodeo back, as well as the demolition derby. Plus, Ron Diamond a magician, illusionist, hypnotist and comedian and the jazz bands will be back. They're staples."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613.

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