The Florida State Fair Thrills Visitors with New Attractions

Tampa, FL, February 26, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The Florida State Fair has once again come and gone, and while it promised a new look and feel with an upgraded midway, free concerts, and plenty of new attractions, this article will highlight the best of the rest!

ATTRACTIONS
Without a doubt, the most popular new attraction was the Mission Impassible Laser Maze along with 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 Laser Maze line, which extended at least 50' down the walkway and blocked adjacent vendors, was part of the problem, however, in addition to the Maze, was another popular attraction by the same company directly next door to it.  It 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, both these attractions were the most entertaining non-ride attractions which is probably why they won 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 throughout the midway (although next year they will move the actraction exhibits a little further away.)  Among the new rides were the Observation Tower, which had covered gondolas that slide 80 feet into the air, then slowly rotate 360 degrees.  Huge lines formed with other rides as well including 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, but the new creations have to be mentioned here.  How about the Cronut, which is a mixture of a Croissant and a Donut, or better yet, and the Krispy Kreme Fried CheeseBurger!  Typical day at the fair!!

ANIMALS
Animals are a big part of every fair along with the agricultural exhibits.  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.

While it is only the beginning of Fair Season which will go through October, it will be interesting to see the new additions that other Fairs will bring this year.