BRANDON -- The Hillsborough County Fair opens Thursday evening (2nd) and runs through a week from Sunday (12th).
Organizers say they're trying to uphold the traditions of a local county fair. This year's theme is "Rooted in Tradition." The Hillsborough County Fair has been an independent event for some three decades, although it operates in the shadows of two mega-events, the Florida State Fair in Tampa and the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.
Executive director Suzanne Holcomb says the fair focuses on giving youth in agriculture a chance to show off their skills. There are livestock competitions in 11 different species, including beef, swine, sheep, goats and poultry. The new 30-thousand square foot Livestock Exhibition Building will be hosting those youth livestock shows. There's also an ag education exhibit, and shows by lumberjacks and firefighters. Several arena events (requiring separate admission) include the truck and tractor pull, rodeo and demolition derby. iHeartMedia Tampa Bay is partnering with the fair and the demo derby.
Open hours are 5-10 p.m. weeknights, Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Noon-8 p.m.
Listen to an interview with Suzanne Holcomb below:
Photo: Canva