Review: Florida State Fair Winners and Losers

Tampa, FL, February 25, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The Florida State Fair has once again come and gone, and promised a new look and feel with an upgraded midway, free concerts and plenty of new attractions including the following Hightlights. 

Attractions
Without a doubt, the most popular new attraction was the Entertainer DX by Real 3D Creative Labs.  In fact, so popular that additional security was needed due to its proximity to the midway as well as the huge crowds gathering around their exhibit which had created havoc due to the blocking of walkways.  The attraction featured new augmented reality technology and gave guests a choice of creating a "Big Head" Animated Dancing Video to their favorite tune, or to choose to star in an Action Movie with great special effects.  Needless to say, it was the most entertaining attraction which is probably why won it the Fair's Best Attraction.

Security
Hats off to the fair with the new security measures that were put in place for  to prevent Wilding, and it seemed to have paid off.  Last year a 14-year-old student died after leaving the fair trying to cross Interstate 4.  This year all guests under 21 years of age had to be accompanied by an adult after 6pm. The adult chaperone received free admission and was able to supervise up to 4 children.

Rides
There were more than 100 rides this year divided into three distinct zones: Thrill Zone, Kid Zone and Family Zone, which definitely helped segregate the crowd into their own comfort zone and eased congestion.  Among the new rides were the Observation Tower, which had covered gondolas that slide 80 feet into the air, then slowly rotate 360 degrees.  Other rides included the new Delusion thrill ride with lots of spinning as well as Disk'O, which game riders a rush on a U-shaped adult roller coaster.  One other worth mentioning was the Frenzy, a 65-foot tall pendulum ride with an 80-foot swing, offering a challenge to the equilibrium and g-force.

Food
Just what will they deep fry or wrap in bacon this year?  Old favorites returned such as deep-fried twinkies and Oreos along with new sensations like the Cronut and the Krispy Kreme Burger.  Typical day at the fair!

Animals
Visitors got to see and in some cases pet more than 6,000 animals from baby bunnies and chicks to llamas.  On another note, Cocalico won the Supreme Dairy Championship.

Losers
No one was injured or worse!  In that case there are only winners at the Florida State Fair!

That about sums it up for this year.  All in all a great fair with vast improvements and lots of fun for everyone.