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Opening day at the Florida State Fair
Ken Suarez reports
TAMPA, Fla. - It's opening day at the Florida State Fair as the annual event returns to Hillsborough County.
Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried kicked off the 2022 State Fair by flipping the switch before sunrise to light up the giant Ferris wheel. The fair officially opens at 10 a.m. It's scheduled from Feb. 10-21.
Fair organizers said there are more than 90 rides to choose from, as well, as plenty of entertainment – most of which are brand-new acts.
Of course, you can't forget the food. They have the classic dishes, but also some deliciously new options, like the Loaded Fried Pickle Nachos and the Cookie Dough Explosion.
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Full video: Florida State Fair lights turn on for Opening Day
It's the first day of the Florida State Fair, but first, officials had to 'flip the switch' for the deep-fried fun to begin. SkyFOX captured the moment when the giant Ferris wheel turned on with all sorts of colorful light combinations -- including a heartfelt design ahead of Valentine's Day.
READ: Here’s a taste of the new fair foods to try at the 2022 Florida State Fair
You can find more information, such as ticket information, here: www.floridastatefair.com.
The first fair was held in 1904 in downtown Tampa. In 1915, organizers teamed up with the Gasparilla events in Tampa. But as the annual fair grew popular, the Florida Legislature formed the Florida State Fair Authority in 1975. That year, they moved to their current home at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
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Florida State Fair kicks off
Charley Belcher reports.