November at the State Fairgrounds

The holiday season is around the corner and there are a variety of spectacular events taking place on the Fairgrounds property adjacent to Interstate 4 and U.S. 301 in eastern Hillsborough County.

Nov.13-15: Dixie Fest & Rib Burn-Off

Held outdoors at the Fairgrounds, Dixie Fest welcomes people to celebrate their southern pride during this three-day event. Main events scheduled to take place include monster truck rides, battle of the tribute bands, a Miss Dixie beauty contest, Dixie babes bikini contest, a nightly biker parade, a "Southern Boyz" all male revue, a karaoke contest, and a best tattoo artist contest. In addition, there will be a variety of foods, vendors, music and a tribute to the "Sons of Confederate Veterans". Event hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from Noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m. General admission is $10 each day or $20 for a 3-day admission pass for ages 15 and older, and free admission for children ages 14 and younger. Active military personnel with valid I.D. receive reduced admission for $5 per day. Parking is $3 per motorcycle, $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance. To purchase tickets in advance, visit online www.dixiefestnow.com or any Ticketmaster location. Admission tickets purchased for the original October event dates will be honored at the gate. For more information on this event, please e-mail rubinoent@aol.com or call Tony Rubino at 727-657-1670.

Nov. 14: Florida 4-H Dog Show

The Florida 4-H Dog Project will host a benefit dog show held in the Charlie Lykes Arena. Exhibitors will gain show ring experience to prepare them for the upcoming 2010 4-H Dog Show season. Entry fees may apply for participants; admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, go online to www.fl4-h-dog.com, contact Sally Alford Manning by e-mail at horsepny@tampabay.rr.com or call 813-967-1931.

Nov. 14: Pet Adoption Expo

The ASPCA, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and No More Homeless Pets team up to present this one-day adoption event featuring over 40 animal rescue groups with hundreds of animals looking for a good home. Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, there will also be pet demonstrations and vendors with pet specialty items for sale. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for this event. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance. For more information, visit online www.humanesocietytampa.com or call Lisa Knight at 813-367-2078.

Nov. 14-15: SE Hunter Jumper Horse Show

The Southeast Hunter Jumper (SEHJ) Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.sehj.com or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

Nov. 17: Tampa Bay Senior Expo

The Tampa Bay Senior Expo, is a special event designed to help seniors find local professionals who offer expertise in financial planning, health, fitness, volunteerism and recreation. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for one day only, there will be free educational seminars, over 100 exhibits, health screenings and giveaways throughout the day. Event hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Visitors should enter via the U.S. 301 entrance gate. For more information, visit online www.tampabayexpos.com, contact Dave Labell via e-mail at dlabell@sptimes.com or call 727-893-8523.

Nov. 22: Cheer & Dance Blast

Cheer Champion Express (CCE) will host an officially sanctioned USASF all star event open to all youth Rec cheer & dance teams, school cheer & dance teams, all star cheer & dance teams, dance studios and individual competitors. Individual and team registration fees vary depending on application entry date. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall, event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 each for spectators and children ages five and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.ccecheer.com, e-mail jacalyn@ccecheer.com or call Jacalyn Muir at 813-967-2824.

Nov. 25-28: AHAF Thanksgiving Arabian/Half Arabian Horse Show

The Arabian Horse Association of Florida (AHAF) hosts its annual Thanksgiving horse show featuring Arabian, Half-Arabian and National Show horses from throughout the country. Held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, classes begin each day at 8 a.m. and continue through the evening. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online http://ahaflorida.org/ or call John Gersch at 772-446-6168.

Nov. 28-29: Buckler's Craft Fair

Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for two days, the Buckler's Craft Fair offers one-of-a-kind creations and handmade crafts from some of the finest artisans in the nation. Exhibitors will be selling unique items including country-primitive handmade furniture, homemade fudge, gourmet delights, home accessories, gold and silver jewelry, personalized items, pet merchandise and much more. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $6, children ages four to 12 enter for $1, and ages three and younger are admitted free. A hand stamp re-admits visitors all weekend for the event. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. 301 entrance.

For more information, visit online www.bucklercraftfair.com or call 386-860-0092.

Other Fairgrounds News

The 2010 Florida State Fair will take place on Feb. 4-15 for twelve consecutive days. Vendor space applications for the next Florida State Fair are now available online at www.floridastatefair.com/vendor-application.