It's Fair Time: Hillsborough County Fair Opens Oct. 12

It's the best bargain around, said Betty Jo Tompkins, a member of the board of directors of the Hillsborough County Fair.

For just $7 general admission for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through high school, residents can view livestock shows, rodeos, pig races, a battle of teenage bands, exhibits, cooking contests and pageants during the 2011 Hillsborough County Fair Oct. 12-16.

"There's something for everyone at this county fair," said Tompkins, a Brandon resident who was instrumental in reviving the county fair.

Located at the Hillsborough County fairgrounds at Sydney-Washer Road on the north side of State Road 60, this year's fair will open with a horticulture show open to elementary, middle school, high school students and adults.

Exhibitors can enter one plant per person. There is no fee to enter. But, that's just the beginning, said Tompkins. This year's fair will feature a midway of carnival rides, traditional fair foods like funnel cakes and kettle corn, and a new addition, the Harvest Queen and Junior Harvest Queen Pageant.

The Harvest Queens were chosen Oct. 8 and will serve as hostesses and ambassadors during the fair. Livestock shows featuring animals raised by 4-H and FFA members include rabbits, pigs, cows, poultry, goats and lambs.

A rabbit and dairy costume contest is set for Oct. 14 along with Cow Chip Bingo. On Oct. 15, there will be a goat obstacle contest, a cake auction, swine sale and pygmy goat show. A 4-H barbecue takes place Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $8 and include free fair admission, free parking and Sonny's pork or beef, baked beans, cole slaw, a brownie and a drink. There will be an exhibition of recycled yard art, hay bale decorating, photography, crafts, quiling, needlework, sewing and art along with antique tractors, engines and equipment to peruse.

Robinson's Racing Pigs will offer several races and there will be a trick horse show as well.

The third annual Chili Cook-off hosted by the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview will take place Oct. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come out and taste chili made by groups, individuals and youth entrants in the contest, and vote for their favorite choice.

The Ranch Rodeo will take place Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with events including wild cow milking, bronco riding and mutton busting.

Also in the arena will be the Bay Area Bandits Mounted Shooting Club and the Youth Bull Whip Cracking Contest.

The 14th annual Teenage Battle of the Bands is scheduld for Oct. 15 from noon to 11 p.m.

Arnold Amusements will offer a ride special opening day. All rides will be $1. On Thursday, fair-goers can get a ride wristband for $15.

On Friday, wristbands are $20 and on Saturday and Sunday, Arnold's will offer a two-wristband special for $20 each. 

Gates open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.

For information, call 813-737-FAIR /737-3247. On Sunday, anyone bringing a church bulletin will get $2 off admission.

Livestock schedule

• Oct. 12, 6 p.m.: Rabbit Breed Identification
• Oct. 12, 7 p.m.: Lamb Showmanship and Lamb Jumping Oct. 13, 6 p.m.
• Dairy Cow Clipping Contest Oct. 13, 6 p.m.
• Lamb Show Oct. 14, 10 a.m. Poultry Judging Oct. 14, 6 p.m.
• Rabbit Costume Contest Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m.
• Dairy Costume Contest Oct. 14, 7 p.m.
• Swine Show and Showmanship Oct. 14, 8 p.m.
• Cow Chip Bingo Oct. 15, 9 a.m.
• Rabbit Show and Judging Seminar Oct. 15, 10 a.m.
• Senior Rabbit Showmanship Oct. 15, 10 a.m.
• Dairy PeeWee Showmanship Oct. 15, 10 a.m.
• Dairy Showmanship Oct. 15, 10 a.m.
• Dairy Show Oct. 15, 10 a.m.
• Pygmy Goat Show Oct. 15, 11 a.m.
• Poultry Showmanship Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
• Goat Obstacle Contest Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m.
• Beef Showmanship Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.
• Swine PeeWee Showmanship Oct. 15, 7 p.m.
• Cake Auction followed by Swine Sale Oct. 16, 10 a.m.
• Dairy Goat Show Oct. 16, noon
• Youth Horse Show Oct. 16, 12:30 p.m.
• Beef Show Oct. 16, 2:30 p.m.
• Goat Costume Contest Oct. 16, 3 p.m.
• Boer Goat Show Oct. 16, 4 p.m.