By LINDA CHION
linda@observernews.net
Hillsborough County Fair officials expect to break a record with at least 600 kids showing 1,000 livestock-show animals at the 11-day event kicking off this week.
Paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s fair theme, “Celebrate America,” aims to strike a chord at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover.
Ever-growing in stature, in line with the Florida State Fair in Tampa and the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, the county fair begins with a drive through its beautiful woods for an evolving slate of shows, contests, rides and activities. The 2026 county fair runs Nov. 5-15, followed by the state fair (Feb. 4-15) and strawberry festival (March 4-14).
Nicole Laura Humphreys of Riverview, at age 12, is a veteran county fairgoer. This year she is set to show a photograph in the Youth Photography Contest; a dolphin glass mosaic in the Youth Art Show; and a decorated rain barrel at the Florida Conservation Coalition (FCC) Super Plant Auction, supported by local nurserymen in support of youth programs, projects and activities. Featuring tropicals, vegetable plants, full-sized trees and more, the auction is set to begin 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15.
Moreover, Humphreys is set to exhibit a presentation trifold of her Eagle project, supported by an FCC Mini-Grant, entitled: “Conservation Sanctuary for Birds of Prey, Pollinators Educational Trail and Habitat Revitalization Project.” Her Scouting America project is on display at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach.
With much to showcase, Humphreys has reason enough to welcome this year’s fair, but that should not negate the overall thrill she gets just being at the fair.
“I love all the rides and seeing all the people and the camels and the goats and the contests and the food,” Humphreys said. “I love seeing the kids learn and be recognized for their talents. And I like to see the kids screaming and yelling on the rides.”
FCC founder Betty Jo Tompkins has much to say about fair offerings new and old. She serves on the executive board for the Hillsborough County Fair, and as an elected supervisor for the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District.
“New this year is an agricultural spelling bee, a media day involving older students and, for younger kids, a chance to ‘harvest crops’ at the Farmer Sydney Tractor Ride,” Tompkins said.
“For all attendees, whatever fair day you purchase a ticket, you can use that ticket to attend that day’s arena show, be it the Family Friendly Rodeo, Demo Derby, or Truck and Tractor Pull. In effect, you’re getting two experiences for the price of one.”
Also on tap are marketplace vendors selling items for holiday gift-giving; expected and new fair foods and midway rides; entry displays for youth and adult arts and crafts; ribbon-earning work for sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, quilting and more; petting zoo; and a special display by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
“There’s so much more, and all of it is detailed online,” Tompkins said. Parking is free, hours vary and admission is based on age, discounts and special days, including Heroes Day, Veterans Day, Students Day, and 4H and FFA Night. Ride armbands cost $30 weekdays and $35 weekends. Carload Night admission, Nov. 12, is $50, for up to eight people legally in a vehicle, with seatbelts for all. The carload price includes ride armbands for all vehicle occupants.
As for Humprheys, fairgoing is a family tradition, which her mother, Nicole, confirms. “Each day offers something special and unique, which sets it apart from the other days,” the elder Humphreys said. “You can get unique gifts for early holiday shopping, the food is fun and there’s always something that you haven’t seen before.”
For more, visit www.HillsboroughCountyFair.com/ or call 813-737-3247.
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover is at 215 Sydney Washer Road.