The 113^th year of the Central Florida Fair promises to blend traditional favorites with exciting new experiences in a celebration that the entire family can enjoy.

To many moms and dads, one of the best parts about being a parent is getting to introduce their children to the activities and traditions that meant so much to them while growing up, and then seeing the wonder in their kids’ eyes as they receive the same joy from the experience. For thousands of local residents, that idea perfectly describes their relationship to the Central Florida Fair, an annual event centered on wholesome family fun that has been passed on from generation to generation for more than a century.

Scheduled to run from Feb. 27 through March 9 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, the 113th edition of the fair promises to include plenty of the favorite rides, exhibits and food selections for which it has long been known. At the same time, the organizers continue to think outside the box and listen to guest feedback to bring exciting new offerings to the forefront.

“We have a great year planned and we’re looking forward to it,” says Michael Tipton, now in his third year as president and CEO of the fair. “For so long, I think we did the same thing over and over, and some of the experiences were becoming outdated. We’re changing it up to make it more appealing to people.”

One shining example is the beer garden, which has been a staple in recent years but continues to evolve, from a simple bar area in its earliest stages to the bustling entertainment zone it has now become. In addition to karaoke, bingo and trivia nights, this year there will be a pizza-eating contest where contestants can win a $50 bar tab or ride wristbands, and live music will be offered every day of the week, highlighted by the second annual Battle of the Bands from Feb. 28 through March 2.

“Parents feel like the beer garden gives them something fun to do while their kids are on the rides,” Tipton says. “We’re keeping all of our concerts there this year: They’re sponsored by WJRR, so it will be rock groups for the Battle of the Bands, and during the week it’s a mix of acoustic, punk and more rock. On opening night, we have the 501 Band, which is a blues band with a horn section that is really popular.”

Speaking of crowd-pleasers, the fair debuted circus performers last year who were a big hit, from aerialists and stilt walkers to fire twirlers. Now there will be a whole circus tent with the Zerbini Family Circus putting on its renowned show.

Old standbys like the petting zoo are back as well, but that’s not the only way for animal lovers to connect to nature. After about a five-year absence, there is lots of buzz over the return of the Sea Lion Splash.

“They’re trained sea lions and they put on a show for the kids,” Tipton says. “Children get to learn all about the cute little creatures and watch them do what they do, whether it’s jumping through hoops or playing with basketballs. In between shows, people can come up and ask their trainers questions and interact with the sea lions.”

Also returning this year is The Blockbuster Experience, a traveling pop-up store based on The Last Blockbuster, a Netflix documentary about the chain’s actual last active video store in Bend, Oregon. It debuted at the fair last year and is back by popular demand.

“It was a lot of fun—people were coming from all over the state to see that,” Tipton says. “It’s like stepping back into the ’90s and reliving all of the nostalgia. It literally looks like you’re walking into an old Blockbuster: They’ve got the front desk, you can buy Blockbuster T-shirts and your own membership card, they’ve got candy and popcorn for sale, they’ve got old movie posters and old movie memorabilia too. I’m in my 40s, and it’s interesting to see people my age and older walk in—they have tears in their eyes because it’s like going back in time.”

Of course, quality rides are always a must-have for any fair, and visitors will not be disappointed in that regard. From classic carnival attractions to modern thrill rides, there is truly something for kids of all ages—and even adults who want to harken back to their childhood.

“People wanted more rides and bigger rides, so I worked with our carnival provider and he’s going to make sure that happens this year,” Tipton says. “We’ll have some things you haven’t seen in a while and rides for everyone, from the teacups to the roller coasters.”

With so much to see and do, naturally guests will work up an appetite; fortunately, they’ll find a bountiful supply of culinary delights. The selections range from fair favorites to bold new flavors and items such as steak tips and mini doughnuts.

“Food is the main part about going to the fair for a lot of people,” Tipton says. “We have the traditional options like candy apples, cotton candy and funnel cakes—those are always going to be here. But our vendor coordinator Megan is doing a great job of making sure we have a lot of variety and bringing in different foods from different ethnicities.”

Perhaps best of all, the Central Florida Fair remains affordable during a time of escalating prices. On opening night, Feb. 27, guests can enjoy a $1 entry between 4 and 8 p.m. with a canned good donation. On Stars & Stripes Night, March 3, all military and first responders are admitted for free, and so will be teachers and school employees on Educator Night, March 6. March 4 is $2 Tuesday, which includes entry, ride options, food items and drink specials for $2. The fair is also currently offering unlimited ride bands for $25 on its website, which will increase to $30 during the week and $40 on weekends once it opens.

“It’s important to us to offer affordable family entertainment,” Tipton says. “With all of the special nights we have, there shouldn’t be any cost barriers to getting in. There are a lot of opportunities to get in for a discount during the week when it’s a little calmer and not so crowded, and you can enjoy everything.”

Other highlights of the fair include the third annual Pride Night on March 5 in conjunction with The Center Orlando, Savoy Orlando and Come Out With Pride; livestock exhibitions; and competitive exhibits in creative arts, horticulture, food arts and more.

Those who have been attending with their families for years are eager for more fun, while newcomers are also welcomed with open arms.

“I get emails from people asking what’s new at the fair this year, and they tell me their parents brought them and now they’re bringing their kids,” Tipton says. “It does seem to be a generational thing—that’s what people did and they want to keep having those memories with their kids. Then there’s other people who have never heard of the fair before but come out for the first time because something happens to appeal to them, like Battle of the Bands or Blockbuster. We get a little bit of everybody here.

Central Florida Fair
Orlando
(407) 295-3247
CentralFloridaFair.com