Even before the 77th annual Pasco County Fair gets rolling — there’s a championship rodeo at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on Feb. 16 and Feb. 17.
The first day of the fair kicks off with the fair parade — with the theme “Buckets of Fun for Everyone.”
That’s set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 19, in downtown Dade City.
The fair, held at the fairgrounds, at 36722 County Road 52, will run Feb. 19 through Feb. 25.
There are so many choices at the fair, it’s a good idea to check out its website ahead of time, to give yourself the best chance to take advantage of what it has to offer.
Of course, there are the typical agricultural shows and competitions including beef, dairy, poultry, rabbit and swine.
There’s a plant contest, too, and competitions involving the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4H.
Other competitions include home arts, community exhibits, the Pasco Showcase of Talent and the karaoke contest.
If you want to grab a bite to eat, the fair will have plenty of options, including corn dogs, pizza, grilled cheese, turkey legs and Italian sausage sandwiches. There’s a wide range of sweets, too, including fried Oreos, cotton candy and funnel cakes, to name a few.
The fair also features dozens of rides, some with names like The Hurricane, The Beast and Cliff Hanger, which sound perfect for thrill seekers; and others, which are milder, and are geared toward tiny tots.
There’s a long list of entertainment options, including a Legends in Revue Night, on Feb. 20; a Bluegrass Night on Feb. 21; and a Gospel Night, on Feb. 22 — with performances beginning each evening at 6 p.m.
Plus, there are all sorts of other acts, including Mad Chad, the chainsaw juggler; the Strong & Amazing Ariel Stunt Show featuring Laura J.; magician and illusionist Jay Mattioli; Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, Robinson’s Racing Pigs; Hot Glass, a glass-blowing demonstration; Doc Magic Balloons; and Crazy Boy Coy, a comedic fire eater.
The Pasco County Fair got its start in 1947 when a group of businessmen decided to start a fair to showcase the county’s resources. San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nickolas, Bob Williams and Joe Collure worked together on the project, according to the fair website.
The men found a 40-acre site off County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52), and raised $3,500 to purchase it.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 19 through Feb. 25
Where: Pasco County Fairground, 36722 County Road 52, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; free for those age 5 and under (Feb. 20 is carload night. The charge is $70 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a carload of up to six belted passengers, which includes admission and a ride wristband.)
Details: The fair will feature rides, food, entertainment and all sorts of competitions. Info: PascoCountyFair.com
Published February 14, 2024
