The 76th annual Pasco County Fair kicks off with a parade in downtown Dade City, before ushering in all sorts of festivities and fun — for people of all ages.
The parade, dubbed “Something to Crow About,” is set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 20 in downtown Dade City.
Later on, at 3 p.m., the fair gates and exhibits open at the fairgrounds, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.
Fair-goers will have loads of choices.
They can check out the Big Rock Amusements Midway, or take in the poultry and rabbit exhibit. They can watch Robinson’s Racing Pigs, or take in Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, and those are just a few of the choices being offered on Day One of the fair.
That’s not to mention, of course, the rides.
Thrill-seekers who want to get their pulse racing will be able to satisfy their desires, as will the less adventurous types.
Choices on this year’s Midway include a Cobra Coaster, Flying Elephants, a Beach Buggy, the Giant Wheel and the Grand Carousel, to name just a few.
Of course, there are art, photography and plant exhibits. And, there are all sorts of contests, too, including a spaghetti-eating event, karaoke and a talent competition.
The history of fairs in Dade City dates back to 1915, according to the fair’s website.
But it wasn’t until 1947, when a group of local businessmen got together, that the fair began to showcase county resources.
“The group was led by San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon, along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nikolai, Bob Williams and Joe Collura,” the website says.
“The group found a perfect location on 40 acres along State Road 52 and raised $3,500 to purchase the site. On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources.”
Based on the planned activities and exhibits for this year’s fair, those ideals appear to have staying power.
76th annual Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 20 through Feb. 26
Hours:
Feb. 20: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 21 through Feb. 23: 4 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 25: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City
Cost: Regular ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, children under 5 admitted free.
Parking is free.
Info: Visit www.pascocountyfair.com
Published February 15, 2023
