By Tamas Mondovics
The 19th Annual Hillsborough County Fair is once again promising five fun-filled days. Scheduled to open on Wednesday, October 17, and held at the County Fairgrounds on S.R. 60, just east of Brandon and Sydney-Washer Rd., this year’s event will have no shortage of activities to entertain both young and old.“The Hillsborough County Fair is a community showcase,” said fair manager Tom Umiker. “We are a homegrown family-affordable event.”
According to Umiker, the daily livestock shows include sheep jumping, cow clipping and a rabbit costume contest, not to mention a showmanship competition, which will award young ones as they lead their animals around the ring.
As for those of all age groups who wish to compete for a blue ribbon in art, photography, baking, needlepoint, quilting and more, the traditional Family Living Arts and Crafts event will once again be the place to see.
Part of the County Fair tradition, although scheduled for the weekend prior to opening day, is the crowing of the 2012 Queen and Junior Queen on the fairgrounds with the Harvest Queen Pageant on Saturday, October 13, both of whom will begin their reign immediately. Of course, the fair would not be complete without featuring the youngest attendees at the Children’s Pageant scheduled for Sunday, October 21.
Umiker emphasized that all of the above mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg. From Recycled Yard Art Competition to Hay Bale Decorating, there will be creative sights to see and taste, including the 4H Foundation’s Bar-b-Que dinner as well as a chili cook-off, while The Cattle Women will have a booth offering tasty beef recipes and sponsoring a kids cooking contest
A Youth Horse Show kicks off the events planned for the arena that offers plenty of seating for the daily shows, such as the Bay Area Bandits Mounted Shooting Club that will entertain the crowd on Saturday, while Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse holds a Speed Show in the arena a day later on Sunday, October 21. Of course a fair is not complete without the thrills of a midway with rides for all ages, which Arnold Amusements will provide.
Admission to this year’s Hillsborough County Fair is $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under 5 years old. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com or call 737-FAIR.
