Pensacola’s biggest annual agricultural and entertainment attraction, the Pensacola Interstate Fair, returns Thursday, Oct. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 1 for 11 jam-packed days of food, rides, fun and performances from America’s hottest acts. The 2009 Pensacola Interstate Fair entertainment series, located on the Pepsi Open Air Stage, presents a diverse, star-studded lineup for music lovers of all types.

The Fair’s musical line-up kicks off with the “Catty-oke” finals presented by Cat Country 98.7 at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. Loyal karaoke enthusiasts will not want to miss these twelve local singing superstars battle it out for a chance to make it big.

The music continues at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 when rock band Saliva brings hard rock together with hip-hop, grunge and sheer, unbridled mayhem. Hailing from Memphis, Tenn., Saliva has come from nowhere to make their mark. A brash, brazen and euphoric burst of energy, Cinco Diablo, their fifth major label album, includes the heartfelt single “Family Reunion,” the number one most added song on Billboard’s Active Rock radio chart. More than a decade since their birth, Saliva is finding new ways to satisfy their creative impulses and please their loyal fans.

The stage will be rocking when country music star Josh Gracin takes the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Known for his energetic stage performances, the young star first entered America’s homes on the second season of American Idol. After finishing fourth in the competition, Gracin, an active-duty U.S. Marine, still pursued a music career. His self-titled debut album produced three consecutive Top 5 country hits, including the number one hit, “Nothin’ to Lose.” His sophomore album, We Weren’t Crazy, reflects Gracin’s energy and values. Expect to hear hits such as “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” and “We Weren’t Crazy,” as well as older songs like “Stay with Me (Brass Bed)” and “I Want to Live.”

Hold on to your boots as America’s largest country music talent search rolls into town at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. Weeks of competing for star hopefuls culminate at The Colgate Country Showdown State Finals, presented by WXBM. Acts from all over the state of Florida will compete for $1,000, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. In the end, one lucky winner will receive $10,000 and the National Title. Each year, more than 50,000 artists compete throughout the U.S.  Past local, state and regional winners include Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Country, rap and rock will take over Pensacola as Cowboy Troy brings “hick-hop” to the Fair for two shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26. Two years ago, when Cowboy Troy's Warner Bros./Raybaw debut, Loco Motive, debuted at number two on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the industry could not deny that something unique was going on. The lead single, “I Play Chicken With The Train” became the number one country download at the iTunes music store, and the little locomotive that could has since gone on to sell some 342,000 copies. Cowboy Troy has been featured on the pages of People, Rolling Stone, Time and USA Today.
 
The LoCash Cowboys will capture you with amazing synchronized dance steps, audience participation, comedy and great country music when they take the stage at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Since moving to Nashville to follow their dreams, the duo has been working hard to make it big. For the last few years, they have been playing at the legendary Wildhorse Saloon, where they have become a must see experience for any Nashville tourist. Once the LoCash Cowboys take the stage, they prove that they truly are the real deal.

The Bar-Kays will light up the stage for two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Since the late 60s, they have been entertaining crowds with their spontaneity and excitement, and this performance will be no exception. While the musical tastes of the fans have evolved many times since the band’s origination, the Bar-Kays have proven no strangers to evolution. With a career total of 27 albums including five gold and one platinum, 40 single releases and 20 top ten singles and albums, the Bar-Kays can expect to add to those figures and expand on their legendary status.

If great country music is built on a solid foundation of compelling real-life stories and soul-deep family tradition, Stephen Cochran was born to sing about it. This true American country artist brings his down-home style to the Fair at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. With a Music Row pedigree, a soldier’s sense of purpose and a lifetime’s worth of stories, this 28-year-old exploded onto the country music scene with a self-titled debut album that combines the best of cutting-edge, contemporary songwriting with the deepest country music tradition. The leadoff single, “Wal-Mart Flowers,” off his sophomore album is generating fan excitement and lighting up radio request lines.

If you are “Lookin’ For A Good Time,” look no further. Lady Antebellum will entertain the crowd with a unique blend of classic country, 1960s R&B soulfulness and the heart-on-the-sleeve openness of 1970s singers, all presented with a razor-sharp contemporary edge at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Since the summer of 2006, “Lady A” has been generating a buzz around their music. After releasing their self-titled debut album in 2008, the trio was awarded CMA’s “Best New Artist” and ACM’s “Top New Group” and was also nominated for two Grammy’s. With a range of songs including Top five single “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” the swelling ballad “All We’d Ever Need” and the pulsing “I Run To You,” Lady Antebellum will offer a musical combination that’s both shockingly fresh and as familiar as an old friend.

Country star Joe Nichols rounds out the Fair’s entertainment series at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Nichols has been entertaining crowds since 2002 when he released his single “The Impossible,” which made it to number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks. Now on his fourth studio album, he has had 11 Top 20 singles on the country charts, including two number-one hits. Expect to hear fan favorites such as “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” “Size Matters (Some Day)” and “Another Side of You.”

“The Pensacola Interstate Fair is striving to make the 75th the best Fair yet to be presented. We have a very strong and popular line-up of stars which light up our stage with excitement, and it is the best presentation of top stars that we have ever had,” said Don Frenkel, Pensacola Interstate Fair General Manager.  “This entertainment series offers fairgoers the opportunity to see nationally renowned performers for free while enjoying a Midway packed full of fun and excitement for the whole family.”

All performances are located on the Pepsi Open Air Stage. Shows at the Pensacola Interstate Fair are FREE with the price of admission. Admission is $10 for everyone 12 years and older and $5 for children 4 through 11. Children 3 or younger are admitted free. Advance discounted tickets are available online at www.pensacolafair.com, Regions Bank and Circle K. Parking is $4 with a ticket and $5 without.

For more information, call (850) 944-4500 or visit www.pensacolafair.com.

Where else can you see a walking sponge and starfish, high-speed motorcycle stunts, and learn how to make butter all at one event? The Pensacola Interstate Fair, of course! This year marks the 75th Anniversary and what better way to celebrate than with a great line up of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to see thrilling stunts, learn about bears and their habitat, or experience the wonders of the rainforest, the Fair has it all from Oct. 22 to Nov. 1.

Thrills and daredevil stunts will amaze crowds of all ages at the Nerveless Nocks Stunt and Thrill Show. Descendants of the Swiss Circus Family Nock, the Nock family has been thrilling audiences across the United States, Canada, Mexico and world-wide since 1954. Watch in disbelief as they keep the audience on the edge of their seats with their act, including Sensational Sky-High Sway Poles, the Astro Nocks Daring Spacewheel, the Skykings Skycycle, Nock the Clown and the Nocks’ Globe of Fear. Whether they are freefalling down poles, performing death-defying aerial maneuvers on a steel cable or racing each other at high speeds on a motorcycle, the Nerveless Nocks will perform a spectacular daredevil show!

The Welde Family has pets unlike any other family. Sure, their pets are furry, cuddly, and fun but they also range in size from 200 lbs to 1200 lbs. The Welde Family will educate and entertain the public about these majestic bears in this year’s Welde’s Big Bear Show. Along with the show, promoting the preservation of bears, the Grizzly Falls Exhibit, complete with waterfalls and beautiful scenery allows the bears to enjoy a wonderful playtime throughout the day where the public can see their hilarious and inspirational antics as they teach us "simply by being bears." And don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces; they were also featured in the Disney movie, Brother Bear.

The Amazing Rainforest Experience is a unique animal show where preservation, conservation and environmental awareness takes center stage. Join Robert and Christy Mullen as they educate spectators about the amazing animals we share this planet with. The Rainforest Experience brings you eye to eye with many rare and endangered creatures and will transport all of your senses to a pristine rainforest. The ever-changing cast of animals in the show is unique to each performance, including parrots, monkeys, lemurs, tigers, cougars, foxes, coati, mundi and their Asian Fishing cat. The animals will demonstrate their natural abilities and unique personalities, while their trainers share unique and interesting facts about them. Each performance is concluded with a chance for every audience member to visit with their majestic horse Magic, as well as the trainers.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! And Patrick Star, too! SpongeBob and his sidekick Patrick will make two live appearances on Cox Communications Day from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The first 200 SpongeBob and Patrick fans in line for each show will receive a free downloadable photo with the celebrated Nickelodeon characters. Lines will close 30 minutes before the end of each show, so get there early!

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty at the hands-on “AG-tivity” Center. The “AG-venture” stations provide interactive agricultural activities for children of all ages such as making butter, germinating seeds and several other activities aimed at educating the public and building a stronger awareness of agriculture. Students are invited to touch, taste and feel Florida’s agriculture while learning where their food comes from and about the important contributions Florida farmers make to their communities and state.

Kids won’t want to miss the friendly Petting Zoo with lots of furry creatures to touch and feed. The public is also encouraged to visit the Livestock Auction where they can purchase prize-winning steer raised by 4-H students. All proceeds from the auction go back to the 4-H students. Other signature events returning for another great year include fine arts exhibits, antiques and collectibles, woodcarving and a photographic art exhibition, just to name a few.

For a complete daily Fair schedule and all show times, or more information on the Pensacola Interstate Fair go to www.PensacolaFair.com or call (850) 944-4500.

Calling all artists! Artwork entries are now being sought for the Pensacola Interstate Fair’s first annual poster contest, celebrating 75 years of quality entertainment. Entries must promote the Fair by including “Pensacola Interstate Fair, Oct. 22 to Nov. 1, 2009” and “75th Anniversary” in the body of the work. Artwork should also be thematically related to the Fair, the region and historical fair poster art.

Submissions will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fair office located at 6655 West Mobile Hwy., Pensacola, FL 32526. All artwork must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, Sept. 30. All entries will be on exhibit during the Pensacola Interstate Fair, and the winning design will receive a cash award of $500.

For more information, call the Pensacola Interstate Fair at (850) 944-4500 or e-mail info@pensacolafair.com. For official rules and entry form, visit www.PensacolaFair.com.

Dust off your cowboy boots and join Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. for a Hootenanny. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, enjoy country for the whole family at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. Activities at the event include a hayride, pony and horse rides, petting zoo, cow patty bingo, arts and crafts for kids, photo opportunities, dancing and more. A finger lickin’ good barbeque dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and local band, Cadillac Attack, will bring the house down starting at 8 p.m. Advanced tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child (up to 12 years old) and will be sold until Thursday, Sept. 10. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 per adult and $10 per child. Children three and under will be admitted for fee. If just music is your thing, music only tickets will be sold after 8 p.m. for $5 each. All funds raised from this event will directly support Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc.

Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. is a non-profit organization assisting the families of children with blood and cancer diseases in the Pensacola area. Through fundraising and disbursement activities, Gulf Coast Wings of Hope helps pediatric patients, families and caregivers through emotional support, education and acts as advocates for their improved care.

For tickets or more information, contact Natalee at 850-607-7294 or 850-377-5305, or email nataleefb@cox.net.
           

Looking for a bargain on furniture, electronics, books or children’s clothing? Search no further. The annual Gulf Coast Wings of Hope garage sale fundraiser will be held on Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18 at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. Be one of the first to shop, and join the pre-sale event from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday for a $3 admission fee. The garage sale will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m-3 p.m. on Saturday. All items will be half off on Saturday.

Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. is a non-profit organization assisting the families of children with blood and cancer diseases in the Pensacola area. Through fundraising and disbursement activities, Gulf Coast Wings of Hope helps pediatric patients, families and caregivers through emotional support, education and acts as advocates for their improved care.

For more information, call (850) 941-4009 or visit www.WingsOfHopeInc.org.   

A partial entertainment list was released last week at the 2009 Fair Kick-Off Dinner. Read below to see if any of your favorite acts will be joining us this year.

Musical Acts:
Saliva
Josh Gracin
Cowboy Troy
The Lo Cash Cowboys
The Bar-Kay's
Stephen Cochran
Joe Nichols


Entertainment:
Colgate Country Showdown State Finals
Petting Zoo
Nerveless Nocks
Amazing Rainforest Experiences
Welde's Bear Show and Grizzly Falls
Catty-Oke Finals presented by Cat Country 98.7

Stay tuned for more updates!

Save Big With Family Fun Packs, Handstamps and Special Admission Days!!

Eleven days of rides, food, fun, music and gaming has never been so affordable for families looking for exciting things to do on a budget. The Pensacola Interstate Fair offers several options to save your hard-earned cash with three Family Fun pack options, daily handstamps, free events and concerts, and special admission days.

Family Fun Packs are available for purchase beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Fair office and online at the Fair's Web site. They will also be on sale at the Main Ticket Booth beginning Thursday, Oct. 16, but will not be sold after 8 p.m. on either Friday during the Fair. Family Fun Pack options include:
• Bronze Pack–$56 ($65 Value)–2 Admission Tickets, 1 Parking Ticket, 2 Handstamp Tickets
• Silver Pack–$91 ($105 Value)–4 Admission Tickets, 1 Parking Ticket, 3 Handstamp Tickets
• Gold Pack–$148 ($170 Value)–8 Admission Tickets, 2 Parking Tickets, 4 Handstamp Tickets

Regular Fair gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages four to 11 and free for children under four. The schedule of handstamp and special admission days is as follows:

Thursday, Oct. 16
• Grand Opening–Attend the 4 p.m. opening for FREE admission. General admission rates apply
after that. Fair closes at 11 p.m.
• Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Friday, Oct. 17
• Midnight Madness–From 4–11 p.m., admission will be $10 for adults 12 years and older, $5 for
ages 4–11, and FREE to children 3 and under. Beginning at 11 p.m., admission for all ages is
$20, and child tickets will no longer be sold. Fair closes at 2 a.m.
• Handstamp Day–Ride handstamps will be available for purchase at the Reithoffer ticket booths
on the Midway for $20 from 4–8p.m. At 8 p.m. the handstamp price changes to $22.
Handstamps are good on all Reithoffer Midway rides from 4 p.m.–2 a.m, except special
attractions. Individual ride tickets will also be available all day. Family Fun Packs will not be
available for purchase after 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18
•Kid's Day–All kids 11 years and under will be admitted FREE to the Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.–2
p.m. Regular general admission prices after 2 p.m. Fair closes at midnight.

Sunday, Oct. 19
•Senior Citizen's Day–Persons 55 years and older will be admitted to the Fair for $5 until close.
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Monday, Oct. 20
•Cox Communications Day–Check your September and October Cox bill for a FREE admission
coupon.
•Military Appreciation Day–All active and retired military personnel and spouses with proper
identification will be admitted for $5 all day (does not include dependents).
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
•Ladies' Day–Women of all ages will be admitted FREE to the Fairgrounds from 4–6 p.m.
Regular admission from 6 p.m.–close.
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Wednesday, Oct. 22
•Pensacola News Journal Day–Take $3 off handstamp purchase with a coupon from the Pensacola
News Journal. Offer not valid with any other discount offer.
•Senior Citizen's Day–Persons 55 years and older will be admitted for $5 until close.
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Thursday, Oct. 23
•Men's Day–Men of all ages will be admitted FREE to the Fairgrounds from 4–6 p.m. Regular
admission from 6 p.m.–close.
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Friday, Oct. 24
•Midnight Madness–From 4–11 p.m., admission will be $10 for adults 12 years and older, $5 for
ages 4–11, and FREE to children 3 and under. Beginning at 11 p.m., admission for all ages is
$20, and child tickets will no longer be sold. Fair closes at 2 a.m.
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day. Family Fun Packs
will not be available for purchase after 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25
•Kid's Day–All kids 11 years and under will be admitted FREE to the Fairgrounds from 10
a.m.–2 p.m. Regular general admission prices after 2 p.m. Fair closes at midnight.
•Handstamp Day–Purchase $20 handstamps good on all Reithoffer Midway Rides until closing,
except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.

Sunday, Oct. 26
•Special Family Admission Day–Admission $8 for everyone 12 years and older, $3 for ages 4–11,
and FREE to children 3 and under. Fair closes at 10 p.m.
•Special Handstamp Day–Purchase a discounted $17 handstamp good on all Reithoffer Midway
Rides until closing, except special attractions. Individual ride tickets are also available all day.


Free Daily Events

Weekdays:
4 p.m. Fair & Commercial Bldg. (Bldg. 6) Open
4–10 p.m. Exhibit Buildings Open
4 p.m. IGX Adrenaline Jam Open
Guitar Hero Tournament Round 1–Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
Guitar Hero Tournament Round 3–Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.
7–10 p.m. Cadillac Attack (Midway Stage)

Weekends:
10 a.m. Fair & Commercial Bldg. (Bldg. 6) Open
10 a.m.–10 p.m. Exhibit Buildings Open (Except Sunday, Oct. 26)
10 a.m. IGX Adrenaline Jam Open
Guitar Hero Tournament Round 2–Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
Guitar Hero Tournament Round 4–Saturday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m.
Guitar Hero Tournament Finals–Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
2–5 p.m. Cadillac Attack (Midway Stage)
7–10 p.m. Cadillac Attack (Midway Stage)


Great American Frontier Show--Every night of the Fair!

Bear Act
Mon–Fri: 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 1 p.m., 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Wild West Show
Mon–Fri: 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Red Man Pro Bull Riding Tour/Bull Riding Finals
Friday, Oct. 24 & Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.

The 74th annual Pensacola Interstate Fair takes place Oct. 16-26, 2008. For more information about the 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fair, call (850) 944-4500 or visit www.PensacolaFair.com.

"Bright Lights and Happy Nights" Forecasted for the 74^th Annual Pensacola Interstate Fair

Eleven great nights of entertainment, food, rides and fun for the whole family

Pensacola's biggest annual agricultural and entertainment attraction, the Pensacola Interstate Fair, returns Thursday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 26 for 11 jam-packed days of food, rides, fun and performances from America's hottest acts. The 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fair entertainment series presents a diverse, star-studded lineup for music lovers of all types.

The Fair's musical line-up kicks off with Pensacola band, the Deadly Fists of Kung Fu. Locals by day and alt-rock superheroes by night, the Deadly Fists of Kung Fu are one of the most stylistically creative bands around. The band brings their energetic brand of power-pop to the Fair at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.

The series continues at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 with rock sensation Slaughter, who aim to prove that "Rock Never Stops" with their brand of hard rock, metal and power ballads such as "Up All Night" and "Fly to the Angels." Nearly two decades and over five million records sold, Slaughter brings their unmatched energy and love of music to fans at the Fair. American metal band Dokken follows at 10 p.m. The band climbed the charts and captivated hearts throughout the '80s as one of the nation's hottest pop-metal acts. With vocalist Don Dokken's captivating stage presence and guitarist George Lynch's high-energy style, the band combined rockers such as "Kiss of Death" and power ballads such as "Alone Again" to create several bestselling albums. The band regrouped in 2003 with a few new faces to keep metal fans' fists pumping.

Music fans will swoon when country crooner and former American Idol contestant Bucky Covington takes the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Covington adds a new twist to the notion that winning is everything. The eighth-place finalist on the fifth season of American Idol, Covington has now parlayed his notoriety into a burgeoning country music singing career. His first, self-titled album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and has produced three chart singles, including "A Different World" and "It's Good to Be Us."

Loyal karaoke enthusiasts won't want to miss local singing superstars on Sunday, Oct. 19, as they grace the stage for Cat Country 98.7 "Cattyoke" Finals. Twelve contestants battle it out for the chance to make it big.

Nashville hits Northwest Florida as up-and-upcoming country recording artist Anna Garrott revs up the crowd with two performances at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20. Originally from Troy, Ala., Anna Garrott exploded onto the country music scene in April 2008 with her first album, "Only Time Will Tell," which features the sassy hit, "Trouble is a Woman." 

Brad Caswell, a native of Jackson, Tenn., keeps the country cookin' with shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.  Caswell melts hearts with a smooth style reminiscent of traditional country classics from Conway Twitty and George Strait and will be sharing new songs from his recently completed first album, "Those Were The Nights."

Country music newcomer Joshua Stevens showcases just what it takes to be a Nashville Star at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The fourth-place finalist has climbed the charts with his debut single is a, "Rock 'n' Roll and Pensacola," and Pensacola country fans just can't get enough.

If great country music is built on a solid foundation of compelling real-life stories and soul-deep family tradition, Stephen Cochran was born to sing about it. This true American country artist brings his down-home style to the Fair with two shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23. With a Music Row pedigree, a soldier's sense of purpose and a lifetime's worth of stories, this 27-year-old exploded onto the country music scene with a self-titled debut album that combines the best of cutting-edge, contemporary songwriting with the deepest country music tradition. His first single, "Friday Night Fireside," is a new favorite among country fans.

Twenty years with Poison, over 25 million records sold and two hit VH1 TV shows called "Rock of Love" and "Rock of Love 2," it doesn't get much bigger than Bret Michaels. The legendary frontman for Poison brings his solo gig to the Fair entertainment stage at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24. Rock fans can look forward to hearing his chartbusting Top 40 singles including "Talk Dirty to Me," "Something to Believe In," "Nothing But a Good Time" and the timeless number one smash, "Every Rose Has its Thorn." Michaels released his latest album, "Rock My World," earlier this year, which features music from his reality television series Rock of Love and other "Best Of" classics.

Billy Currington "Must Be Doing Something Right" because he rounds out the Fair's entertainment series at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Currington burst onto the music scene in 2003 with his eponymous debut album, which contains the powerful Top 10 country hit "Walk a Little Straighter" and the fun smash hit "I Got a Feelin'." A well-known name in country, Currington hit it big when he collaborated with Shania Twain on the sweet, southern smash, "Party for Two." His second album, "Doin' Something Right," is burning up the airwaves.

"The Pensacola Interstate Fair strives to provide entertainment for all tastes and ages, and I think this lineup has a little something for everyone," said Don Frenkel, Pensacola Interstate Fair General Manager.  "This entertainment series offers fairgoers the opportunity to see nationally renowned performers free while enjoying a Midway packed full of fun and excitement for the whole family."

Shows at the Pensacola Interstate Fair are free with the price of admission. Admission is $10 for everyone 12 years and older and $5 for children 4 through 11. Children 3 or younger are admitted free. Advance discounted tickets are available online at www.pensacolafair.com, Regions Bank and Circle K. Parking is $4 with a ticket and $5 without.

For more information, call (850) 944-4500 or visit www.pensacolafair.com. 

Exciting Attractions for Kids of All Ages at the 74^th Annual Pensacola Interstate Fair

Bull Riding, SpongeBob and The Great American Frontier Show just a few of the festivities, Oct. 16-26 

With thousands of things to do, see and taste, the 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fair is too big to miss. The Fair offers hours of excitement for kids and adults alike, with events and activities that are classic and cutting-edge, wholesome and hip, rockin' and refined, and uniquely Pensacola. Where else could you watch a bull riding competition, play high-tech games at the IGX Adreneline Jam, ride a Ferris wheel, try your hand at basketball in the Midway, munch on finger-lickin' funnel cakes and see Bret Michaels, star of Poison and VH1's "Rock of Love" and "Rock of Love 2," in concert? This type of fun is only available at the 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fair!

Our nation's heritage comes alive at The Great American Frontier Show with tributes to the pioneers and animals that helped build America. The show features "Wild Animals of America" with live American black bears, mountain lions and timber wolves. Step back into the Wild West at the "Living History Village and Frontier Saloon," featuring an old-time traveling Western museum, covered wagons with horses, a Texas longhorn, cowboys and cowgirls, a trick rider and live, old-fashioned Westerns shootouts.

Cat Country 98.7, Seville Quarter and the Pensacola Interstate Fair join forces to search for the "Gulf Coast's Next Country Music Star" in the "Catty-Oke" karaoke contest. During four weeks of auditions at Seville Square, a panel of judges selected 12 finalists based on vocal talent, stage appearance, personality and audience response. The overall winner will receive a grand prize fit for a star.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! SpongeBob will make a live appearance on Cox Media Night from 6–9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20. The first 200 SpongeBob fans in line at the gazebo will have a free photo opportunity with the celebrated Nickelodeon character.

Following 12 months and more than 80 events in 2008, it all comes down to Pensacola. The SSBR Red Man Pro Bull Riding Tour brings riders from the Florida Panhandle to South Florida back to the area where the SSBR was founded for the Fall Classic Finals at 7:30 p.m., Friday–Saturday, Oct. 24–25. Eight seconds separates these adrenaline cowboys from greatness. Join in the energy and action-packed excitement as the top 30 riders from the Western Division battle it out to see who will be crowned the SSBR Red Man Tour 2008 Western Circuit Champion.

Video Game Enthusiasts will revel in the newest FREE attraction at the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Interactive Game Experience's (IGX) high energy Adrenaline Jam, featuring hours of electronic gaming entertainment on 17 game stations and two 42" plasma screens. The super-charged Adrenaline Jam stations include Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation3, and Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation2, the original Xbox and Nintendo Gamecube. A Guitar Hero III video game championship tournament will test players' ability to play guitar along to the music. The winners of the tournaments can receive $200 worth of gift certificates to Price Busters or season pass to the Fair. The games are rated "E" (Everyone), "T" (Teen), "T10" (Teen) and/or "C" (Children) providing a variety of interactive challenges for visitors of all ages. All games are free with the purchase of Fair entrance.

A hands-on AG-tivity Center will feature interactive activities for children of all ages such as making butter, germinating seeds and several other activities to help educate the public and bring a stronger awareness of agriculture.

Kids won't want to miss the friendly Petting Zoo with lots of furry creatures to touch and feed. The public is also encouraged to visit the Livestock Auction where they can purchase prize-winning steer raised by 4-H students. All proceeds from the auction go back to the 4-H students. Other signature events returning for another great year include fine arts exhibits, antiques and collectibles, woodcarving and a photographic art exhibition, just to name a few.

 

Pensacola Interstate Fair Fast Facts

2008 Pensacola Interstate Fair Dates

Thursday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 26

Location

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds

6655 W. Mobile Hwy

Pensacola, FL 32526

Hours

Mondays–Thursday: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.

Friday: 4 p.m.–2a.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

General Admission

Adults (ages 12 & up): $10

Children (ages 4-11): $5

Ages 3 & under: FREE

Web Site

www.PensacolaFair.com

Ticket Information

Advanced discounted tickets go on sale October 1, 2008 and can be purchased online at PensacolaFair.com, at Regions Bank or any Circle K convenient store. Family Fun Packs will also be available for purchase on Oct. 1, 2008 at PensacolaFair.com.

2008 Entertainment Lineup

Bret Michaels of Poison, Slaughter, Dokken, Bucky Covington, Stephen Cochran, Billy Currington, Joshua Stevens, Brad Caswell, Anna Garrott, Deadly Fists of Kung Fu.

An AG-venture for Everyone: AG-tivity Center, AG in the Classroom and Volunteering Teaches Kids Important Lessons About Agriculture

At the Pensacola Interstate Fair Oct. 16-26

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands a little dirty with interactive agricultural activities at the "AG-tivity" Center at the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Oct. 16–26.  Kids of all ages are invited to touch, taste and feel Florida's agriculture while learning farming skills such as making butter, germinating seeds and several other activities aimed at educating the public and building a stronger awareness of agriculture.

The "AG-tivity" Center is an extension of a program designed by the Florida Department of Agriculture, "Florida Agriculture in the Classroom," which seeks to expand youth awareness and understanding of Florida agriculture and natural resources by integrating agricultural concepts into core educational disciplines. The program teaches students where their food comes from and about the important contributions Florida farmers make to their communities and their state.

The Pensacola Interstate Fair is also seeking volunteers to participate in this unique opportunity to learn about agriculture while earning community service hours. Volunteers will be asked to participate in three- to four-hour shifts helping the public as they visit the "AG-venture" stations. Service organizations, clubs, groups of students and individuals are encouraged to inquire. The deadline to sign up is Monday, Oct. 13, 2008.

Students who volunteer at least 10 hours at the Fair are also eligible to apply for the John E. Frenkel, Sr. Education Grants Program, which awards $1,000 grants to Escambia and Santa Rosa County students. Throughout the last 24 years, more than $800,000 in scholarships has been awarded to area students. More information about scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year will be made available in spring 2009.

For more information about agricultural events at the Fair, contact Natalee Brooks at (850) 944-4500 or Nataleefb@cox.net.

All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice. Fair gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 11 and free for children under five.

The 74th annual Pensacola Interstate Fair takes place Oct. 16-26, 2008. For more information about the 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fair, call (850) 944-4500 or visit www.PensacolaFair.com.