The Pasco County Fair, now celebrating its 75th year, has always prided itself on creating an event that offer families a wholesome place to have fun.
And, whether you enjoy traditional livestock shows, can’t get enough of thrill rides, love to indulge on fried foods, or simply like to be entertained — chances are this year’s options won’t disappoint at the fair, held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City.
With a theme of “Memories made new,” fair organizers have put together a calendar that is chock full of things to see and do.
There’s a beef show, a dairy show, a goat show, a poultry show, a swine show and a rabbit show.
For gardening enthusiasts, there’s a plant show.
And, there are FFA/4-H exhibits, too.
For those who enjoy the home arts, there’s a Collura Cottage where entries compete in categories such as the best jam or jelly, the prettiest quilt or wall hanging, the most delicious cakes and cookies; artistic cake decorating; table settings, woodwork and more.
Of course, there are contests.
Some pageants have already been held, with Anastasia Valimaki named Miss Pasco County for 2022 and Larkin Mainwaring named Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen 2022.
The Miss Heart of Florida competition is set for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., and the Miss Pasco Princess & Mister Pasco Prince Baby Pageant will be on Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m.
There’s also a Spaghetti Eating Contest and a Karaoke Competition.
The annual Spaghetti Eating Contest is set for Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Sponsored by Spaghetti Eddie’s, the competition will be held in The Back Porch Theater and is limited to the first 10 people, ages 18 and older, who sign up.
Contestants must eat 1 pound of spaghetti including a meatball, with a big wooden spoon. The competitor who finishes first is the winner.
The karaoke contest is limited to the first 20, ages 18 and older, who sign up. Top finishers will receive cash prizes. Registration begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26, with the contest starting at 7:30 p.m.
Daily entertainment includes a stand-up comedy ventriloquist, an illusionist, a comedy hypnotist, a thrill show, glass-blowing demonstration, a magic show and racing pigs.
There also are strolling performers, including a Banjo Man, MythiCreatures, and Rock-it The Robot.
Plus, there’s plenty of music to enjoy, including evenings set aside for bluegrass and gospel performers.
For more information and a complete listing of what’s available at the fair, visit PascoCountyFair.com.
75th annual Pasco County Fair
WHEN:
Feb. 22 to Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 25: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 27: Noon to 8 p.m. (gate closes at 6 p.m.)
WHERE: The Pasco County Fair is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
COST: $10 for adults; $5 for children, ages 6 to 10; under age 5, free (Specials available for Midway rides); Parking is free
DETAILS: From beef, chicken and pork shish kebobs to spaghetti, and a smorgasbord of fair foods in between, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink at the Pasco County Fair. Plus, there are traditional fair exhibits, fun rides, entertainment and more.
Published February 23, 2022
