History of Florida State Fairgrounds in Timeline
The Florida State Fairgrounds, located in East Lake-Orient Park, Florida, is a 355-acre venue that hosts the annual Florida State Fair in addition to other diverse events. It comprises multiple buildings catering to different functions and activities, making it a versatile event space.
1904: Gasparilla Pirate Festival Beginning
In 1904, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival began, coinciding with the South Florida Fair in downtown Tampa. Both events aimed to attract tourists and politicians to the state.
1905: Experiences at the Fair
In 1905, the fair provided new experiences such as tasting Coca-Cola or Italian sausage for the first time, and for rural attendees, seeing an electric light bulb for the first time.
1912: Cracker Country Setting
Cracker Country includes thirteen original buildings dating from 1870 to 1912.
1915: Name Change to Florida State Fair
In 1915, both the Gasparilla Carnival and South Florida Fair were incorporated, and the name was officially changed to the Florida State Fair.
1918: Fair Suspension
In 1918, the South Florida Fair was suspended due to external circumstances.
1975: Florida State Fair Authority Creation
In 1975, the Florida State Fair Authority was established by the state legislature, designating the Florida State Fair as the official state fair of Florida.
1976: Fairgrounds Relocation
In 1976, the fair temporarily moved into and around Tampa Stadium due to construction at the new fairgrounds location. Buildings, barns, and arenas were erected at the new campus, including the establishment of the Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr Cracker Country on five acres.
1978: Cracker Country Established
In 1978, Cracker Country, a living history museum of rural Florida and Florida Cracker culture, was established by Mildred and Doyle Carlton Jr.
1980: Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Founded
In 1980, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame (FAHOF) was founded and the first members were inducted.
1992: Tampa Bay Lightning Tenant
In 1992, the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL became a tenant of the Expo Hall.
1993: Tampa Bay Lightning Tenant
In 1993, the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL remained a tenant of the Expo Hall.
2004: Ford Amphitheater Opening
In 2004, the venue opened as Ford Amphitheater, hosting numerous concerts and events.
2010: Renamed 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre
In 2010, the amphitheater was renamed 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre after Dr. Gary Kompothecras purchased the naming rights.
2012: Live Nation Amphitheatre
In 2012, after negative public feedback, Live Nation became Live Nation Amphitheatre for five months.
2024: Pavilion Roof Damage
In 2024, the pavilion roof suffered severe damage by Hurricane Milton.
2025: MidFlorida Credit Union Naming Contract
In 2025, MidFlorida Credit Union's 3-year naming contract continues.
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