This Tropicana Field parking lot was filled with rides, food and fun from March 28 to April 1 for the Pinellas County Fair. Many visitors eagerly poured through the gates to experience Pinellas County’s first fair in nearly 10 years. Once held at the Mustang Flea Market in Pinellas Park, visitors poured through the gates to experience Pinellas County’s first fair in nearly 10 years.
The Pinellas County Fair was filled with all of the classic attractions: Ferris wheels, thrill rides, a merry-go-round, fried food on a stick and live entertainment. One twist on the normal attractions was the Banana Derby. Unlike the conventional dog race, these dogs were ridden by small jockey monkeys. The crowds picked their favorite monkeys, yelling out their names as they rounded the track.
Just as quickly as it came, the Pinellas Country Fair is now packing its bags and moving on to a new city. Tampa Bay residents can hopefully look forward to another fun-filled visit next year. New owner Stephen White hopes that the Tropicana will be the fair’s new home for years to come.
Spectators watched capuchin monkeys race against each other around the track in the Banana Derby. Owner and trainer Phillip Hendricks discovered the talent when he saw pet monkey Bobo (right) riding his hound around the backyard.Trainer Dexter Osborn demonstrates the vocal abilities of his 600-pound Alaskan Grizzly Bear Tonk. A Grizzly Experience provides tips about bear behavior and safety while also entertaining spectators.You cannot go to the fair without jumping on top of a burlap sack and racing down the giant slide against your friends. If you don’t win, there is always the rematch.There are plenty of games across the midway to choose from if you want to win that big stuffed animal. No matter how short, determination and a little help from family helped this little girl bag the prize.Bumper cars are always a fun excuse to jump behind the wheel and do everything that you aren’t allowed to do on the road. This young boy learned an important lesson after getting rammed from behind—always check your mirrors.The sweet smells of deep fried food hit visitors’ noses the minute they got through the gates. This visitor is grabbing an elephant ear, one of the must-haves for many fairgoers.Visitors line up at the gates to buy their entrance and ride tickets.
