Pasco County Fair 2019: Everything You Need To Know

DADE CITY, FL -- These days the youth exhibitors carry smart phones so they can instantly post photos of their winning livestock to their social media pages.

But, other than the technology, the students who participate in the agriculture competitions at the Pasco County Fair aren’t much different than their youth predecessors who arrived at the first fair in 1947 when hogs, chickens and goats in tow.

Nor has the focus of the fair changed over the past 72 years. Like then, the mission of this year’s fair is to promote youth participation in agriculture and highlight the resources of Pasco County.

The midway rides, games, food and entertainment are just a bonus.

The 72nd Pasco County Fair, sponsored by AdventHealth Dade City, will run from Feb. 18 to 24 at the fairgrounds at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

As in previous years, the fair will kick off with the parade through downtown Dade City at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18 featuring Miss Pasco County Isabel Skormin, who won the Jan. 20 scholarship pageant, marching bands, floats, horse units and clowns. Former Pasco County state legislator Danny Burgess Jr., who was appointed executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs By Gov. Ron DeSantis, will be the grand marshal.

The Miss Heart Pageant is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at Dan Cannon Auditorium. The application deadline has passed.

The Miss Pasco Princess, Mister Pasco and Prince Baby pageants will take place Saturday, Feb. 23 starting at noon. Click here for applications.

There will be a Kids Karaoke Contest Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. as well well as a karaoke contest for adults age 18 and over on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Dan Cannon Auditorium.

The 15th annual Pasco County Fair Championship Rodeo is set for Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 1 p.m.

Youth will vie for awards in the youth steer, dairy, heifer, bull, swine, goat, rabbit and cavy, poultry, plant and art shows.

Adults are invited to submit art and crafts for competition as well.

Returning for 2019 is the Spaghetti-Eating Contest on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Back Porch Theater, sponsored by fair vendor Spaghetti Eddie's.

This year's entertainment lineup includes the Little Roy and Lizzy Show, a bluegrass and gospel concert on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. and Gospel Night with Jeff and Sheri Easter and the Down East Boys Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

Daily entertainment features the Fearless Flores Thrill Show, Extreme Illusions & Escapes, Matt’s Family Jam, the Cowboy Circus with Danny Grant, Banjo Man Greg Thompson, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Stevie Starr—Regurgitator, Purgatory Ironworks, Fritzy Brothers’ One-Man Circus, The Plant Guy, Rock-It the Robot and All About Ag.

The midway will feature kiddie, family and thrill rides. Click here for a list of midway rides.

And foods available at this year's fair include roasted corn, strawberry pizza, fried banana splits, kettle corn and corn dogs. Click here for a list.

Fair admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children age 6- 12, and free for children 5 and younger.

An unlimited midway ride wristband on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday costs $20 and a wristband on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $25.

Parking is free.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE.

Images via Pasco County Fair

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