Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride

The South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach packs plenty of excitement into 17 days.

This year's extravaganza - set for Jan. 18 through Feb. 3 at the South Florida Fairgrounds - invites guests to experience more than 200 rides, food, five stages of music and entertainment, 1,000 livestock and agriculture exhibitors, the historic Yesteryear Village and a plethora of wacky events you won't find anywhere else.

This year's theme is Superheroes, complete with parades, character appearances and exhibits. Local "superheroes" also will be recognized.

But there's also a Girl Scout Cookie Eating Contest, a pig race, a stunt team, acrobats, choruses and hypnotists. Looking for something else? How about a parade, a marching band, a talent competition or a dance party? You'll find it all there.

And then there's the food. Don't even think about the calories - not with enticements like the Sriracha Fire & Ice Kreme Sundae, Frosted Flakes Chicken On a Stick, the Hash Bomb, Deep Fried Pretzels and a Brisket Melt.

The fair, which began in 1912, lures more than half a million visitors each year.

"Fairgoers are entertained by first-class stage shows, national concert performances, sensational midway rides, unique shopping and the best of fair food," notes the venue's website. "Visitors experience educational and interactive experiences at Yesteryear Village, our award winning Agriplex, and each year are presented with a different themed exposition in our 80,000-square-foot Exposition Center. The grounds attractions and educational shows in Yesteryear Village are sure to make your visit memorable." O

For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit southfloridafair.com.