The Florida State Fair is wrapping up for the year and it has been one to remember. I have attended the Florida State Fair two other times and could probably tell you what the weather was like at one of them and how outspoken one of the game workers was. Not this year ……. I will remember a lot.

Rides were aplenty. The fair also had the largest traveling ferris wheel in North America and it was a treat to ride. Even my mother (who does not do fair rides) rode this and enjoyed it. The best part of the rides this year is the professionalism displayed by the ride operators. Everyone I encountered treated a fair goer as a guest and
that is something I have not seen at ANY fair for many many years. The variety of rides were present, but there were a lot of duplicates also. That really doesn’t bother me at a venue of that size though less line wait for the same experience.

of course the food was there and food galore. One thing I noticed was that prices were not standardized throughout the fair. The bottled water could range anywhere from 2-4 dollars. Most vendors had something unique to them though, that differentiated from all other vendors. I did not know there were so many different
ways to make corn dogs!!!!  I was a sucker for the one dollar strawberry-flavored ice tea though. Luckily there was a few of them around the fair to calm my walking.

Of course what is a fair without the opportunity to win those huge stuffed animals. I am truthful, I am not a huge fan of the games that say “kids play til they win” or “winner every time” just to see they/you win that tiny prize when the big ones are all over the place in the stall. MOST are not like
that, though. The games are challenging and that prize is well-earned. I did not win on my one attempt, though, but I had fun spending my $5.

The highlight this year was the Demolition Derby. Returning to the fair after a 20 year absence proved a success. The only challenge they will have in bringing it back next year is finding more seating for the number of fans that showed up to watch it. Who ever said cars cannot play soccer?

The fair is a true family event and I truly believe 2018 set a new standard in the Florida State fair. When it ends this year I look forward to when it comes back and how the fun improves upon the old.

David “Thrills”
The Thrill Freak 

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on twitter @TampaAmazeMe for live tweets, Snapchat @thethrillfreak for that special exciting memory, and  instagram @thrillfreak just or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.