Commissioner Putnam Celebrates 500 Years of Agriculture at Florida State Fair
~Known for Fun Rides and Good Food, Florida State Fair is Also an Opportunity to Learn about Florida’s Rich Agricultural History ~
For Information, Contact:
Erin Gillespie
Press Secretary
(850) 617-7737
Erin.Gillespie@FreshFromFlorida.com
February 07, 2013
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam opened the 2013 Florida State Fair this morning at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa and invited visitors to take time to explore the many exhibits and opportunities that celebrate the history of the commodities, innovations and people that make up Florida agriculture.
“For more than 100 years, the Florida State Fair has been a destination for thrilling rides, great food and family fun," said Commissioner Putnam. “This year, the Florida State Fair offers all that and more. Through historical exhibits, a Broadway style show and a self-guided tour, visitors can learn about the history of Florida's oldest industry, agriculture."
Commissioner Putnam was joined by Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater to flip the switch this morning, turning on the lights of the fair's midway and signaling the opening of the 2013 Florida State Fair.
Governor Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet hosted the twice monthly Cabinet Meeting at the Florida State Fair. There, Commissioner Putnam recognized Reid Risner, the winner of Florida's 500th Anniversary Youth Fine Arts Competition. More than 200 Florida students submitted entries of fine artwork representing the history of Florida agriculture. The competition's finalists will be on display for the duration of the fair, along with the winners of Florida's 500th Anniversary Youth Coloring Competition.
Following the Cabinet Meeting, Governor Scott and Cabinet toured exhibits and livestock shows. This afternoon, Commissioner Putnam, Attorney General Bondi and CFO Atwater will race down the fair's famous Giant Slide.
Also on Opening Day of the Florida State Fair, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services debuted it's “Florida Agriculture: Then and Now” traveling exhibit. A part of the statewide Viva Florida 500 celebration, this exhibit is a fun and educational experience that demonstrates the exponential growth and impact of the agriculture industry during Florida’s 500 year history.
The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation unveiled a new museum at the Florida State Fair. "Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition" tells the story of one of Florida’s oldest and most important agriculture sectors. The multi-media exhibit traces cattle ranching from its early beginnings in the 1500s through present day.
The 2013 Florida State Fair runs from February 7 through 18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.
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