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Fair facts

The 101st Florida State Fair opens Thursday and runs through Feb. 21 at the State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily. Parking is free and a weekend shuttle service is offered. For a complete activities list or information, call 621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 6, 2005

A sampling of the opening week activities:

Travis Tritt takes the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ford Amphitheatre. Tickets are $15, $20 and $30 in addition to fair admission.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon begins at 6 a.m. Thursday and runs until 7 p.m. Friday in the Chevrolet Family Theater.

Judging for the baking competition sponsored by Alessi Bakeries begins at 11 a.m. Friday. The awards ceremonies are at 5 p.m.

Dakota's Dog House Ultimate Canine Triathlon begins at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Charlie Lykes Arena.

Hillsborough middle and high school jazz bands compete in the High School Jazz Competition from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Chevrolet Family Theater.

Middle and high school FFA (Future Farmers of America) compete Saturday in a two-person cross cut saw competition from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florida Forest Discovery Pavilion.

Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron and Shire breeds of horses compete in tandem hitch, log skidding and timed obstacle contests during the Draft Horse Show at noon Saturday in the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Fairgoers may purchase a Pepsi armband ticket in advance for $16 and get unlimited rides on Friday and on Feb. 13, 18, 20 or 21. For opening night only, a Wild Cherry Pepsi ticket may be purchased for $10 at the fair midway for unlimited rides from 5 p.m. to closing.

Students in grades K-12 are admitted to the fair for $5 on Friday and on Feb. 21.

[Last modified February 5, 2005, 09:49:05]