Sarasota County Fair opens Friday
STAFF PHOTO / DAN WAGNERStella, a South American sea lion, left, shows off her four-month-old baby, Hans, at the
Sea Lion Splash exhibit, which debuted at the Sarasota County Fair last year and returns
this year.
By Todd RugerMarch 17, 2011
Sea Lion Splash exhibit, which debuted at the Sarasota County Fair last year and returns
this year.
By Todd RugerMarch 17, 2011
Sarasota Times-Herald
SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sarasota County Fair opens Friday for a 10-day run of
old-style entertainment and agriculture shows otherwise disappearing from today's
high-definition, 3-D glasses culture.
That doesn't mean there will not be anything new at the 75th annual fair, which opens at 2
p.m. at the fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
The Wild About Monkeys animal show makes its debut this year, Ron Diamond has new
segments in his magic and hypnosis act, and the sea lion show is back for its second year
after a popular showing last year.
But the midway rides and games, the fried carnival food and the displays of livestock and
crafts from 4-H and Future Farmers of America remain the heart of an American tradition
that has stayed true to its roots.
"It's also provides a homecoming and family reunion all wrapped in one. It's a throwback to
the old days where people count," said fair organizer Rory Martin.
"It's the last bastion of public education of agriculture we have in the county."
And all of it — all $140,000 worth of entertainment, Martin says — can be had for $8 for
adults; $4 for seniors, active duty military and students ages 6-17; and free for children age
5 and younger.
Entrance is also free between 2 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fair opens at noon
on Saturdays and Sundays.
An armband special will be available each day, providing unlimited spins on the mechanical
midway rides for $20 plus the cost of admission.
The fair expects 150,000 visitors. Last year it rained on two Sundays. This year the
forecast calls for nearly perfect days the entire week: Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the
upper 50s.
The last day of the fair is March 27.
Circus and musical arts' magical marriage
old-style entertainment and agriculture shows otherwise disappearing from today's
high-definition, 3-D glasses culture.
That doesn't mean there will not be anything new at the 75th annual fair, which opens at 2
p.m. at the fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
The Wild About Monkeys animal show makes its debut this year, Ron Diamond has new
segments in his magic and hypnosis act, and the sea lion show is back for its second year
after a popular showing last year.
But the midway rides and games, the fried carnival food and the displays of livestock and
crafts from 4-H and Future Farmers of America remain the heart of an American tradition
that has stayed true to its roots.
"It's also provides a homecoming and family reunion all wrapped in one. It's a throwback to
the old days where people count," said fair organizer Rory Martin.
"It's the last bastion of public education of agriculture we have in the county."
And all of it — all $140,000 worth of entertainment, Martin says — can be had for $8 for
adults; $4 for seniors, active duty military and students ages 6-17; and free for children age
5 and younger.
Entrance is also free between 2 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fair opens at noon
on Saturdays and Sundays.
An armband special will be available each day, providing unlimited spins on the mechanical
midway rides for $20 plus the cost of admission.
The fair expects 150,000 visitors. Last year it rained on two Sundays. This year the
forecast calls for nearly perfect days the entire week: Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the
upper 50s.
The last day of the fair is March 27.
Circus and musical arts' magical marriage
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