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Fans' dreams get fair chance

Two Florida State Fair exhibits will let people live out their sports fantasy.

By GEORGE CHRISTIAN PAPPAS
Published February 13, 2006

TAMPA -- Ever dreamed of throwing the game-winning touchdown pass, draining a three-pointer as time expires or seeing yourself crush a home run on the scoreboard? Have you ever wanted to take on an alpine skiing course, meet face-to-face with a robot or touch one of Babe Ruth's bats?

National Pastime Sports Productions and the World's Fair for Kids have teamed up with the Florida State Fair to offer dreamers and fanatics alike the chance to make these dreams a reality. And these activities also give kids of all ages something to do at the fair besides the rides.

The 102nd Florida State Fair features Southern Chevy Dealers Super SportsFest and a preview of the World's Fair for Kids. The events run through Feb. 20.

Super SportsFest, which is in the 52,000-square-foot Entertainment Expo Hall at the fair, offers fans of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to live their ideal sports dream. The goal is to create an "interactive experience and to replicate the realistic and authentic professional sports experience," said David Martin, owner and producer of National Pastimes Sports Productions. "It takes a good five to six days to put together, but it is well worth it,"

The company has worked exclusively in the professional sports industry, putting together Major League Baseball's All Star Game Fanfest, fanfests for the individual clubs, and many other events for the fans.

Fairgoers will be able to hit in the Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby, played on a much smaller version of Chicago's Wrigley Field, complete with brick facades, the famous scoreboard, a video screen and a loudspeaker that announces names as players step up to the plate. Football fans can run through a course of tackling dummies and hurdles, then throw the perfect pass to a receiver and kick a field goal through the uprights.

Among the various other interactive games is the three-point contest in which participants have 45 seconds to shoot as many threes on a college-level court. Fans also can try their luck on a miniature golf course, test their slap-shot, and attempt to score on a goalie in soccer.

The largest exhibit in SportsFest is "Baseball - America's Game," which features displays and memorabilia from legendary players, the Negro Leagues, Little League Baseball, the All Star Game, and Latin baseball. A detailed replica of the dugout at Yankee Stadium has been set up, equipped with a Babe Ruth bat.

There will be sports trivia games presented by WDAE-AM 620, live music and autograph signings at SportsFest, which is free with admission to the Florida State Fair. Game play tickets for the interactive sports challenges vary in price, but are inexpensive.

Another new exhibit at the fair this year is a preview of the World's Fair for Kids. The actual exposition will be at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from April 15-23. "It is comparable to a real World's Fair that lasts 90 days - so does ours, just that it will be nine days for 10 years," said Scott Hill, operations planner for the World's Fair for Kids.

The preview is in the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, a 25,000-square-foot covered outdoor pavilion. It features only a taste of the full event, but will give kids and adults alike a thrill. It includes a multisensory media experience - video, surround sound, wind, snow and bubble effects. Designed to create the feel of being on an alpine skiing course, the exhibit goes beyond 3-D, including the sensation of wind whipping around on your face, the smell of pine trees and falling snow.

Fairgoers also can try the "Jam-o-Drum," an interactive video game with percussion pads and a spin disc to create unique music. And you can feel like a rock star with interactive karaoke that places you inside a music video.

Special to the event is Quasi, the interactive robot and mascot for the World's Fair for Kids. And Fantasy of Flight has a flying car on exhibit (though fairgoers will not be able to see the vehicle in action).

-- George Christian Pappas, 14, is in ninth grade in the Palm Harbor University High School IB program.

[Last modified February 13, 2006, 07:49:14]