A youth livestock workshop Aug. 30 is the next key date for Apollo Beach and Ruskin families who want to compete at the Greater Hillsborough County Fair this fall.
The 11-day fair runs Nov. 5-15 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover, under this year's theme "Celebrate America," marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Aug. 30 workshop is geared toward getting young exhibitors "fair ready," with tips on creating effective buyer letters, record books and thank-you cards, according to the Observer News. The deadline for market show entries involving goats, lambs, steer, swine and turkeys has already passed.
Betty Jo Tompkins, a past fair president and member of the fair board's executive committee, said breed show entries for beef, dairy, lambs, goats, rabbits and poultry are due by Oct. 1.
"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," Tompkins told the Observer News.
Tompkins, a past Riverview Citizen of the Year who also heads the Florida Conservation Coalition, is sponsoring the Rain Barrel Decorating Contest, Youth Plant Show and Annual Super Plant Auction at the fair. Residents can reach her at 813-477-8332 for details on those events.
Family Living Contests Open to All Ages, Plus Two New Categories
Family Living contests are open to youth and adults, with pre-registration by Oct. 1 strongly encouraged. Categories include handmade crafts, sewing, cooking, artwork, photography, innovative mechanics, cake decorating, food preservation and baking.
Two new contests debut this year: Barn Quilting and Drum Line, with online registration due Nov. 1.
The fair is also launching its inaugural High School Media Day, themed "Your Story, Your Camera, Your County Fair," offering students hands-on journalism and media production experience. Registration closes Oct. 9.
Spelling Bee, Picnic Tables and Harvest Awards Round Out the Lineup
A Celebrate America Youth Spelling Bee takes place Nov. 11 at the fair, honoring Veterans Day. Youth compete in grade divisions with words inspired by agriculture, citizenship and American history.
The Picnic Table Decorating contest is limited to six youth organization groups. Sign-up deadline is Oct. 5, with tables provided starting Oct. 20, and a Nov. 1 completion deadline. Decorations must reflect agricultural education, Florida agriculture or the "Celebrate America" theme.
The Harvest Awards Luncheon on Oct. 20 recognizes Astin Farms as Farm Family, John Davidson for Lifetime Achievement, Hilda Castillo as Woman in Agriculture, Plant City Commons Community Garden for Outstanding Public and Community Service, and Everglades Farm Equipment for Outstanding Agribusiness. Registration closes Oct. 10.
Key Deadlines at a Glance
Aug. 30 — Livestock Workshop (youth)
Oct. 1 — Breed show entries; Family Living pre-registration
Oct. 5 — Picnic Table Decorating sign-up
Oct. 9 — High School Media Day registration
Oct. 10 — Harvest Awards Luncheon registration
Nov. 1 — Barn Quilting and Drum Line registration
Full details and updates are available at hillsboroughcountyfair.com.
