By LINDA CHION KENNEY
linda@observernews.net
The Greater Hillsborough County Fair is weeks away, but for anyone planning to compete, exhibit livestock, enter a creative project or attend a pre-fair event, deadlines are fast approaching.
Held annually at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, the 11-day fair kicks off Nov. 5, with pre-fair events set for pageant queens, Harvest Awards recognition, and agricultural educator and volunteer appreciation.
This year’s fair theme, “Celebrate America,” honors the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“Having been involved with fairs since I was 10 years old, I can tell you, they are one of the best ways we can showcase our heritage and appreciation for agriculture, home skills, the arts, entertainment and just plain family fun,” said Betty Jo Tompkins, past fair president and a member of the fair board’s executive committee. “We’re committed at the Hillsborough County Fair to showcase the past, present and future of agriculture, and give everyone, including from age 8 to 80, a chance to participate and compete.”
Overall, the state’s fair and livestock show season runs September through April, drawing more than 4 million people annually to the 45 fair and livestock shows listed online by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Hillsborough is rare in that it hosts three of these events, including the county fair (in Dover), the Florida State Fair (in Tampa) and the Florida Strawberry Festival (in Plant City).
Hillsborough County Fairs dates are Nov. 5-15, followed by the 2027 Florida State Fair (Feb. 4-15) and the 2027 Florida Strawberry Festival (March 4-14). The Hillsborough County Fair is at 215 Sydney Washer Road, just east of Brandon off State Road 60, with “Farmer Sydney,” the official fair mascot.
The Livestock Workshop to get youth participants “fair ready” is set for Aug. 30, featuring tips for creating effective buyer letters, record books and thank you cards. The deadline has passed for market show entries involving goats, lambs, steer, swine and turkeys.
“Market show animals are sold at fair auctions, while breed animals are returned to their owners,” Tompkins said. The breed show deadline is Oct. 1 for beef, dairy, lambs, goats, rabbits and poultry.
Meanwhile, Family Living contests are open to youth and adults, with pre-registration by Oct. 1 strongly encouraged. Contest categories include handmade crafts, sewing, cooking, artwork, photography, innovative mechanics, cake decorating, food preservation and baking.
New contests this year include Barn Quilting and Drum Line (online registration due Nov. 1), and the inaugural High School Media Day, featuring “Your Story, Your Camera, Your County Fair.”
The event is to give students a real-world journalism and media production experience while introducing them to the people and stories behind the Hillsborough County Fair. Registration deadline is Oct. 9.
Set for Nov. 11 at the fair is the Celebrate America Youth Spelling Bee, in honor of Veterans Day and the nation’s 250th celebration. Youth will participate in grade divisions with age-appropriate and special words inspired by America, agriculture, citizenship, history and Veterans Day.
The Harvest Queen pageants are set for Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively, for junior and senior queen and respective court determinations. The application deadline has passed.
Limited to six youth organization groups is the Picnic Table Decorating contest. The sign-up deadline is Oct. 5, with the requirement that table decorations reflect Agricultural Education, Florida Agriculture or the “Celebrate America” theme. Picnic tables will be provided starting Oct. 20, with a Nov. 1 completion deadline, for judging at the fair Nov. 5.
The registration deadline is Oct. 10 for the Oct. 20 Harvest Awards Luncheon, which this year recognizes Astin Farms (Farm Family), John Davidson (Lifetime Achievement), Hilda Castillo (Woman in Agriculture), Plant City Commons Community Garden (Outstanding Public and Community Service), and Everglades Farm Equipment (Outstanding Agribusiness).
Meanwhile, the Florida Conservation Coalition, founded and headed by Tompkins, is sponsoring the Rain Barrel Decorating Contest, Youth Plant Show and Annual Super Plant Auction, with details provided by Tompkins via phone, at 813-477-8332.
For more information on the fair and to confirm and review additional dates and deadlines, including updated, visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com/.