TAMPA -- The 2022 Florida State Fair opens Thursday morning. The lights on the Midway go on just a half hour before sunrise.
Executive director Cheryl Flood says there are more than 30 different types of entertainment, all free with the admission, ranging from rodeos, a circus including a highwire act and a petting zoo to various musical acts.
Theme days this year include Heroes Day (10th), with free admission to first responders, active and retired military and medical professionals. Senior Days are Monday through Fridays, $2 Tuesday offers $2 admission and $2 on rides and food. Couples are admitted at the single admission price ($10) on Monday which is Valentine's Day.
The last weekend of the fair (Feb. 18th-20th) features a rodeo, on Friday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 4, and Sunday afternoon at 1.
The fair is famous (or notorious) for presenting sugar and fat in new and wacky ways. This year more than 200 vendors are offering food.
This year's delicacies include funnel cake tacos (a taco shell dipped in buffalo-style batter), a donut dog (a long fried donut with a hot dog and drizzled icing), bacon caramel apples and the "Big Mack" pizza with lettuce, onions and sesame seeds.
The fair runs through the 21st. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children.
Listen to an interview with Cheryl Flood below:
Photo: Florida State Fair Authority / Canva