5 After 5, Things to do at the State Fair

I know, I know, it's not State Fair Season where you live.

But it is around these parts, so for all my Florida friends (or the rest of you to pin for later), here's a list of things to do at the state fair...



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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was favorite winter activities and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.


Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.


And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!




List 5 things to do at the State Fair


I'm sure this week's topic has you scratching your head saying,"What? State Fair? Why would she be talking about that now?"

Well, folks, that's because down here in Florida, we have to be different, so the middle of winter (what winter we have, at least) is State Fair Season here!

Here are my 5 favorite things to do there:


1. Pig Races 

We love the pig races so much, one year everyone had matching T-shirts!

To be honest, the last two years it has been just too hot for us to want to sit and watch these porcine pedestrians, but when we're in the mood to lather up in sunblock and sport some hats and shades, we enjoy watching the little piggies race.


2.  4H Animal Competitions


G's school has a pretty sizable 4H Club, so he often has students who are participating in these competitions.

We always make a point to go watch them if our schedules line up with theirs, but we enjoy these competitions so much, we'll watch many of the other events, too.


3.  Aquarium Competition


I am always amazed at the range of creativity in the fish tank competition each year. 



You will find mind-boggling aquarium set-ups full of plants, backgrounds, lights and props sitting right next to plain goldfish bowls - making us wonder why on earth some people would enter such simple subjects into the contest at all.

The bonus in this thing to do? It's out of the heat of the midday sun and usually pretty uncrowded, giving us a little bit of the breather in the middle of the day.


4.  Random Competitions & Shows


We always try to seek out something new each year and this is usually in the form of some competition or show.

We've seen ballroom dancing and cheerleading competitions as well as crazy extreme BMX and diving shows. 

I wonder what will be this year's new discovery...

5.  Scavenger Hunt


I think our absolute favorite part of the fair is finding ridiculousness (it always seems to be out in abundance there!), so tackling this free scavenger hunt is easily our favorite thing to do each year.

I can't wait to see what kinds of crazy we discover this year!





For next week:


List 5 ways to show your kids love

Because it's Papa's birthday, Valentine's Day is usually pretty low-key, but there are so many cute ideas of ways to show your kids love out there, I'm thinking of trying some out this year...


And now, here's this week's link party!  Another fabulous blogger has teamed up with me to create a list of five each week and we hope that you'll join us, too!



That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.



Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated MamaFacebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'
Samantha, at Motivated DaysTwitter // Pinterest // Google+ 



What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

Also, if you don't want to miss a single minute of fun around here, be sure to sign up for free updates and then look forward to having each post delivered right to your inbox!

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Comments (17)

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I don't think our state fair has many of these! My favorite thing is trying all the yummy food!
5 replies · active 388 weeks ago
Thanks for sharing with us at Together on Tuesdays.
You are welcome and thanks for hosting!
So now I'm curious as to what your state fair DOES have? At least they have the food!
LOL. We have a horse show, tractor pulls, go kart racing, a native american show, and some large band stage shows. There are contests for ducks, bunnies, and chickens similar to your aquarium contest. Local families can also submit art, baked goods or sewing projects for various craft contests all divided by ages.... There are pumpkin and vegetable growing contests too where local farmers can submit items they've grown.
We have the critter contests, too -- all done through 4H at schools, but we don't really seem to have as many craft & baked goods contests as other fairs. They still have them, a little, but not like I've heard of other places. I have a friend who's an amazing cake decorator and she always wins in like 4 different categories at hers! We definitely don't have vittle-growing contests, either! Thanks for sharing what yours is like, Joanne!
I haven't been to a fair since I was a little girl. We always went with my cousins and grandparents fun times!
1 reply · active 388 weeks ago
You should definitely hunt down the nearest fair and go again!
Lori Leeper's avatar

Lori Leeper · 425 weeks ago

State fairs are so much fun! Thanks for sharing at DIDI :)
1 reply · active 388 weeks ago
They sure are, Lori!
I didn't realize you're in FL. I'm a FL native. Haven't lived in there for, goodness, around 17 years, I guess. I'm guessing we're not from the same part of FL since our fair was always in the fall. I'm from North Florida. -- My boys always loved those bike stunt shows, too. They have one at our fair here, too, that we try to see every year. :) Fun post, Lisa, thanks for sharing with #ChasingCommunity. :)
1 reply · active 388 weeks ago
How fun that you're from FL, too! North FL definitely seems cooler than around here in Central FL -- I bet you even had seasons when you were growing up!
Julie Kalungi's avatar

Julie Kalungi · 425 weeks ago

Wow you have state fairs? Thanks for sharing at the Pit stop :)

Julie Syl Pit stop Crew!
1 reply · active 388 weeks ago
I always assumed every state had a state fair!
Thank you for sharing you party with us at I am PInnable :) Lisa
1 reply · active 388 weeks ago
Sure thing and thanks for hosting such a fun party yourself!

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