The Florida State Fair 2020: Things That You Might Not See (but Should)
Hunter Howell rides his one wheeled motorcycle through a wall of fire in the Daredevil Daze show at the 2020 Florida State Fair
Carnival rides and funky fried food seem to get the majority of the press about the annual Florida State Fair. But if you are willing to do a little digging (research entertainment schedules online here) you will see some thrilling acts that may not make the front page on promos. Some are tucked in to the back crevasses of the fairgrounds, but are worth finding.
The Florida State Fair resides on sprawling acreage east of Tampa and the main focus is generally on rides and fair food
A tandem flip off of pogo sticks is just one of the tricks executed by the Xpogo team during their exhibition.
When was the last time you saw world champion pogo sticking? Xpogo wants to know! They jump over obstacles and each other exhibiting their award-winning athleticism on pogo sticks. They are quick to point out these are not your grandpa's pogos!
Have you ever seen expert gymnasts hurl themselves over audience members while doing a flip before dunking a basketball? Yep, that’s Team Big Air. They do a tandem show with Xpogo at the fair. It is family-friendly and amazing to watch
A member of Team Big Air somersaults over volunteers from the crowd after launching from the trampoline. Yes, he dunked it!
If that’s not enough, stuck back in the corner of the festival is the Bello and Annaliese Nock Daredevil Daze show. This father-daughter team brings together a host of crazy daredevil’s who perform on motorcycles, high wires and sky wheels with gravity defying might. They fly through the air, light things on fire to ride motorcycles through, and generally wreak havoc on your anxiety if you have a fear of heights.
And I thought electric scooters were cool. Hunter Howell rides one of his mono-wheel motorcycles around the show arena at the 2020 Florida State Fair. I gotta get me one of those!
Let there be no doubt, these guys fly sky high.
Daredevil, American clown, and circus performer Bello Nock flies off of the sky wheel 70 feet above the ground at the Florida State Fair 2020. Yep, no net, no harness, and no parachute.
Bello and Annaliese Nock (father-daughter team) both have a Guinness World Record for their performance on this 70 foot contraption. This seems a little cra-cra, but look at ‘em go!
Daredevil Bello Nock signs photos for his fans after the show at Florida State Fair. Hairdo for days dude!
In the livestock area there is stiff competition between members of the Future Farmers of America who exhibit livestock for prizes and cred. They are also given tips by the judge during the competition on how to improve their presentation and overall appearance. The Florida State Fair hosts many agricultural competitions and events throughout the year. From the best of the best in youth and open livestock competitions, to educational programs like Ag-Venture, there’s always something to learn.
Members of the Future Farmers of America compete in the livestock area at the fair every year.
Animal acts at carnivals are decreasing in number. But some, like the Sea Lion Splash, continue to entertain and educate. Featuring Kimmy, Zoey, and Syra, the rowdy bunch lives for fishy snacks.
Sunsets at the Florida State Fair can emphasize the beauty of our region and the colorful lights of the midway.
This year’s festival includes a Fair Foodie Crawl- $25- (think pub crawl with fair food), a 5k race called the Deep Fried Dash, and promo days for select groups like military and first responders, seniors, and even college students. The 2020 Florida State Fair runs through February 17. Tickets may be purchased online here with an additional convenience fee added. Take your camera!