The Florida State Fairgrounds is located in Tampa, Florida. In addition to holding the annual Florida State Fair, the fairgrounds also hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year.
The fairgrounds cover over 355 acres (1.44 km2), with many different types of buildings.
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Cracker Country is a rural Florida living history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds. It was founded with the purpose of preserving Florida’s rural heritage. The museum recreates an 1890s rural Florida town. Its collection of 13 original buildings dating back from 1870-1912 were relocated from across the state of Florida beginning in 1978 when Cracker Country was established by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle E. Carlton, Jr. Today, the historically furnished buildings recreate the lifestyles of the past; and costumed interpreters portray daily living as Florida pioneers and share the stories of early Floridians’ experiences.
Mission The mission of Cracker Country is to document, preserve, and interpret rural pioneer Florida history and folklife during the period of 1870-1912, using:
• museum “best practices” and techniques
• attention to historical accuracy and detail
• a group of well trained and enthusiastic docents
• interactive interpretive programs
• excellent customer service
• sound fiscal principles and practices
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An outdoor venue, the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater (formerly known as the Ford Amphitheater), hosts dozens of events throughout the year, including many concerts featuring top musical acts. The venue is open air with a large covering over most of the seats and the stage area, and has both reserved and lawn seating.
The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center is located at the Florida State Fairgrounds and includes exercise grounds, warm-up rings, two show rings, and a grand prix ring. The area was created in the 1970s when the state fair was moved from its original downtown location. The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center features 471 permanent stalls in five barns plus ample parking for vehicles and trailers.
The newst addition to the equestrian center is a covered 314' by 165' arena. Guests and spectators can watch a variety of horse shows seating in shaded bleachers or on a grassy hill. The equestrian center holds year-round events from youth to Olympic qualifiers. The size and type of horse competitions is almost limitless.