THE BALLOON MAN

County fair rises again in Pinellas Park

Lights from the Yoyo glow against the cloudy sky Monday, as workers assemble rides days before the opening this week of the Pinellas County Fair at Town Square Plaza Park, 49th Street at 81st Avenue N, in Pinellas Park. It’s the first county fair since 2001.

By Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Wednesday, March 30, 2011

PINELLAS PARK, FL--Ned Toth was all set to attend law school when he decided that wasn't for him. So he ran away and joined the circus. Now, Toth, 65, is bringing the Pinellas County Fair back after a 10-year absence.

Rina Newman, 32, works to set up her stand Monday for sales of fair treats, including popcorn, cotton candy and candy apples. The four-day event will open at 5 p.m. Thursday and run through Sunday in Town Square Plaza Park, the space immediately north of the Pinellas Park City Hall, 5141 78th Ave. N. While there won't be any sheep, goats or cows — as is traditional with fairs — there will be a petting zoo and Elmo's Teeny Weeny Circus, with dogs and ponies. There will also be carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel with $100,000 worth of new LED lighting. "It'll light up the whole city of Pinellas Park," Toth said. Toth, a Sarasota resident, comes from a family with strong circus ties. An uncle was a manager with the Ringling Bros. circus, who later bought the Clyde Beatty Circus. read more at:http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/county-fair-rises-again-in-pinellas-park/1160421