Fair enough

The Florida State Fair ends Monday, capping a 12-day run that should tide fun-seekers and food-seekers over until next year.

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 14, 2003

BRANDON -- Time is running out, but if you hurry, you might be able to buy one of the last fried Twinkies or giant turkey drumsticks.

Eat that up just before braving the Big Sling, which catapults riders more than 365 feet high at 100 mph.

Yes, the 99th annual Florida State Fair ends Monday, capping a 12-day run that has featured enough cows, goats, elephant ears, beer, live music and stomach-churning rides to tide fun-seekers over until next year.

The final four days at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa start today, and will offer a teen-friendly pop concert, animal judgings and even clogging.

R&B pop singer Ashanti, a multiple nominee for the American Music Awards, will deliver a Valentine's night show tonight, starting at 7:30 in Entertainment Hall. Concert tickets are $10.

Then there's a rooster crowing contest Sunday at noon (in the rabbit/poultry barn, of course), and a clogging show at 9 p.m. Saturday in the Performing Arts Dome.

In between, grab a beer at the Bud Rocks Cafe, or head toward the Royal Hanneford Circus Tent to get a deep fried Twinkie sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Call 1-800-345-3247,621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com.

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