Florida State Fairgrounds

Coordinates: 27°59′16″N 82°21′44″W / 27.9877°N 82.3622°W / 27.9877; -82.3622
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27°59′16″N 82°21′44″W / 27.9877°N 82.3622°W / 27.9877; -82.3622

Main Entrance Archway

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located in East Lake-Orient Park, Florida. In addition to holding the annual Florida State Fair, the fairgrounds also host a wide variety of other events throughout the year.[1] The 2023 Florida State Fair took place February 9–20, 2023.

The fairgrounds cover over 355 acres (1.44 km2), with many different types of buildings.

Cracker Country[edit]

Cracker Country is a rural Florida living history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds.[2] It was founded with the purpose of preserving Florida's rural heritage. The museum recreates an 1890s rural Florida town. Its collection of 13 original buildings dating back from 1870 to 1912 was relocated from across the state of Florida beginning in 1978 when Cracker Country was established by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle E. Carlton, Jr. Today, the historically furnished buildings recreate the lifestyles of the past; and costumed interpreters portray daily living as Florida pioneers and share the stories of early Floridians’ experiences.

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre[edit]

An outdoor venue, the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater opening to the public in 2004[3] (previously known as Ford Amphitheater, 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater, and Live Nation Amphitheater) hosts events throughout the year, including concerts featuring musical acts. The venue is open air with a large covering over most of the seats and the stage area, and has both reserved and lawn seating.

Bob Thomas Equestrian Center[edit]

The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center is located at the Florida State Fairgrounds witch includes exercise grounds, warm-up rings, two show rings, and a grand prix ring.[4] The area was created in the 1970s when the state fair was moved from its original downtown location. The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center features 471 permanent stalls in five barns plus ample parking for vehicles and trailers.

The newest addition to the equestrian center is a covered 314' by 165' arena. Guests and spectators can watch a variety of horse shows seating in shaded bleachers or on a grassy hill. The equestrian center holds year-round events from youth to Olympic qualifiers.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Events Archive". Florida State Fair. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  2. ^ "Cracker Country". Cracker Country. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  3. ^ "MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre Information | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds". 2014-06-26. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  4. ^ "Equestrian Center". Florida State Fair. 2023-08-09. Retrieved 2023-08-02.

External links[edit]