State Fairgrounds To Host Sno Fest, Model Train Show

TAMPA, FL -- While there's not much chance of a white Christmas in Tampa Bay, children can still have the thrill of playing in real snow during the Sno Fest on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 North, Tampa.

The event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Florida Center West, Lakeside, South Dome and South Food Dome.

There will be powder on the streets illuminating the night with thousands of twinkling lights, a chance to dance in falling snow flurries, snow piles for the kids to roll around in, a chance to make your own snow, visits with Santa, holiday displays, "Snow Stations" with activities using real and artificial snow, a lights trail, real-life snow globes and holiday foods.

Tickets are $19.99 for age 13 to adults, $13.99 for children age 4 to 12 and free for children under 3. Click here for tickets.

Combine your visit to Sno Fest with a tour of the 20th Tampa Model Train Show and Sale in the Special Events Center East on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There's nothing like the magic of a model railroad at Christmas time. More than 350 tables representing dealers from all over the nation will have model items in all gauges and railroad antiques for sale.

This is Florida’s largest combination show, displaying items for both the “modeler” and “rail buff” alike under one roof. The model railroader may choose from Lionel, American Flyer, LGB, Marklin or Ives Trains from the past or present.

The rail buff may focus on dining car china, lanterns, switch locks and keys, calendars, timetables or any other artifacts actually used by the railroads.

As an extra feature, there will be 10 large, award-winning, working layouts with displays and clinics.

Adult admission is $9 and children under 12 are admitted free. Click here for tickets. For discount coupons click here.

Images via Tampa Model Railroad Show and Sno Fest

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