Carnival Food Booths Get Frequent Health Inspections

Here's something you may not know about the Palm Harbor Citrus Festival: All of the carnival food booths must pass a detailed health and sanitation inspection, similar to inspections at local restaurants, before the booths are allowed to open.

"They inspect us more than they inspect the restaurants," said Therese Gagane, who runs a food booth with her husband, Paul.

Gagane says that once the fair begins, carnival food booths are also inspected at least once a week. Rides are also rigorously inspected for safety.

Carnival workers began setting up in the street next to Peggy O'Neill's restaurant on Tuesday morning. "Everything is in place, they're just testing out the rides today and doing inspections," said Therese on Wednesday afternoon.

The Gaganes live in Tampa but travel to fairs throughout the year, except when they take the month of December off. Wednesday afternoon, they were polishing their booth and preparing for the Citrus Festival, which they participate in every year. They sell funnel cakes, elephant ears and deep-fried Oreos. They also make fresh squeezed lemonade using their own special recipe.

The Gaganes love traveling the country and have been doing it since 1978. Each has their favorite fair. Therese likes the Boyne Falls fair in Michigan. "It's beautiful, summertime in northern Michigan." 

Paul's favorite is the Michigan State Fair, which he says is the second largest in the country with an attendance around 1.5 to 2 million people.

"We look forward to going back year after year and seeing the same people," he said.

Palm Harbor Citrus Festival Schedule for Friday, April 5:

• 4-11 p.m: Carnival
• 6-8 p.m: The Defendants (Main Stage on Florida Avenue)
• 8-10 p.m: The Black Honkeys (Main Stage on Florida Avenue)

See the entire Palm Harbor Citrus Festival Schedule of Events (Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7)

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