New ‘Super Slide’ Set To Debut At 2017 Florida State Fair

TAMPA, FL — Thrill seekers who have been missing the Florida State Fair’s iconic slide are in for a treat this February. A new, improved Super Slide is set to make its debut when the annual event opens Feb. 9.

A ribbon-cutting for the new Super Slide was staged at the 4800 U.S. 301 N. fairgrounds on Friday. Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam was given the honors of unveiling the ride for a crowd, that included kids from the Antioch Critters 4-H Club and Strawberry Crest High School’s FFA.

“In the Summer of 2015, severe winds swept through the Florida State Fairgrounds, taking with it our iconic slide that had been enjoyed by patrons of the fair for generations since the 1970s,” Putnam said. “Today, we with the Fair Authority, and all who missed the slide last year, are getting an early Christmas present with the debut of our new, improved Super Slide.”

The new slide was originally built for the 2014 NFL experience staged in New York’s Time Square in honor of the Super Bowl. The 60-foot-tall, 180-foot-long slide was purchased through Rides 4U and brought to the Tampa Bay area. The slide features an LED package that produces quite a show at night, according to fair officials.

The cost to ride the slide during the fair will be $5 for a trip. Those who purchase all-you-can-ride armbands will get to go as many times as they want. Those armbands are available through Jan. 1 at a discount price of $20.

In honor of the slide’s unveiling, the fair also announced a limited time admission special. Between Friday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 18 at midnight folks can buy a four-pack of admission tickets and ride armbands for $75. That adds up to a $119 savings over regular gate prices.

This year’s fair will feature a variety of live shows, displays and plenty of food. The midway is expected to boast more than 115 rides, including the Super Slide.

Tickets for the 113th Florida State Fair are available online at www.FloridaStateFair.com. They can also be picked up at the fair’s box office or ordered by phone at 1-800-345-FAIR. Walgreens stores in the area will also offer tickets starting Jan. 2.

The 2017 fair takes place Feb. 9 to 20. To find out more, visit the fair’s website.

Photo courtesy of the Florida State Fair. The Super Slide’s inaugural riders were, from left, Kaylee Hudson, Mason Lefler, Madison Lefler, Commission Adam Putnam, Raelyn Hudson and Ashlyn Flack.