January 2013 Brings Trains, Gems and Antiques to the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center

Though the holidays have come and gone, the family-fun events planned at The Volusia County Fair & Expo Center continue in January 2013, as the Fairgrounds host the Golden Spike Rail Show, Tomoka Gem & Mineral Sale, Antique Show and Senior Expo in the New Year.

The two-day Golden Spike Rail Show & Sale, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday through Sunday, Jan. 5 – 6, will showcase hundreds of model trains and railroad antiques in the Tommy Lawrence Arena. Popular train models include Lionel, American Flyer, LGBM, Marklin and many more.  Admission to the show and sale is $8; children 12 and under are admitted free. Visit www.gserr.com for $1-off admission coupon, or for more information, contact Alan Altman at (813) 949-7197.

 The annual Tomoka Gem & Mineral Show & Sale returns at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. The show, “Fossils and Gems of the Southeast United States,” will be in Tommy Lawrence Arena from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13. Admission is $4.

The Antique Show & Sale will take place on Friday through Sunday, Jan. 25 – 27, at the Volusia County Fairgrounds. Adult admission is $6 on Friday, and $4 Saturday and Sunday, while children are admitted free. Event times are from 1 –5 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Contact Jim Antone or Donna Poor at (904) 755-2586 for more show details.

Funding out a busy month at the Volusia County Fairgrounds is the Senior Expo, Wednesday, Jan. 30. From 10 a.m.  – 2 p.m., the public is invited to meet local business representatives and learn about companies’ products and services available in our community. Giveaways, health screenings, entertainment and more are part of the free admission.

Volusia County Fair & Youth Show reports second-highest attendance since opening in 1923

The numbers are in, and Volusia County Fair & Youth Show officials are reporting records for the annual event conducted by the nonprofit Volusia County Fair Association.

With a gate of 185,500, the 2012 fair, which was Nov. 1-11 at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, experienced its second best attendance since opening in 1923. Deggeller Attractions, the carnival provider for The Fair, saw a record year on the midway, with gross revenue increasing 6 percent over 2011. Additionally, Livestock sales totaled $167,000 (a 1.8 percent increase over 2011), plus Fair officials report an increase in the number of livestock exhibits and competitive exhibits over 2011 as well.

Additional highlights range from the concert offerings to admission discounts. The Tommy Lawrence Arena saw a full house crowd for Tracy Lawrence on November 3, and the annual food drive in which patrons exchange two canned goods for half-price gate admission collected more than 8,500 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank, bringing the four-year total to more than 12 tons.

Livestock auctions earn nearly $167,000

Youth gather in the show ring of the Townsend Livestock Pavilion
in advance of a livestock contest last week at the Volusia County Fair.

Despite a depressed economy and a polarizing national election earlier in the week, buyers packed the Townsend Livestock Pavilion Thursday night at the Volusia County Fairgrounds for the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show’s Livestock Auction of lamb, steer and swine.

According to Fair Association Director Leif Wright, the market auction saw eager bidders who committed nearly $165,000 Thursday night. Nineteen lambs, 24 steer and 98 swine were sold.

Additionally, thirteen animals were sold at Saturday night’s goat auction, helping the livestock-auction earnings reach a grand total of $166,957.25 for this year’s event.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the livestock auctions,” said Volusia County Fair Executive Director David Viers. “Bidders were generous, and our youths’ hard work over the past year to get their animals in prime condition paid off greatly. We are so thankful to buyers for their support.”

November 9-11, 2012 at the Volusia County Fair

Friday, Nov. 9, 2012

Friday, Nov.9 is Florida Lottery Night! Gates open at 4 p.m., and the midway gets rolling at 5 p.m. Purchase $20 ride bracelets from 5 to 9 p.m.; they're good until midway closes. (Remember: Our ticket booths now take VISA and Mastercard!) The goat Showmanship Show begins at 7 p.m. in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion. Join the crowd and support our hard-working FFA and 4-H youth.


Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012

If you're planning ahead for the weekend, we have news for you, too! On Saturday, Nov.10, gates open at 11 a.m.; it's DeLand Nissan Day. THE FARM will be in concert at 8 p.m. in the Tommy Lawrence Arena. Tickets are free with gate admission, general admission seating is limited, so arrive early. On Saturday, get your $25 ride bracelet and enjoy the midway; they'll be sold until 7 p.m. and will be valid until midway closes. Various goat shows will be taking place in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, too.


Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

Sunday, Nov. 11, is the final day of the Volusia County Fair. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the midway will start up one hour later. And, Sunday is Florida Public Veterans Day. All veterans and serviceman are admitted free with military/proper identification. $20 ride bracelets are valid until closing at 9 p.m. The Thunder City Derby Sirens Women’s Roller Derby will be taking place all afternoon, and the poultry contests begin at 11 a.m. in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion.

Pack your day with Fair fun, because the 68th Annual Volusia County Fair & Youth Show closes at 9 p.m. Sunday!

Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Volusia County Fair

TONIGHT IS Coca-Cola Night! Students 18 & under are admitted free with an empty Coca-Cola product can from 4 - 7 p.m. (Regular admission otherwise.)

Get the $20 ride bracelet all night. Gates open at 4; midway cranks up at 5. Get your bidding on at the Livestock Auction, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion.

 

 

 

Volusia County Fair patrons donate 8,592 pounds

In its fourth year of exchanging half-price admission for two cans of nonperishable food items, The Volusia County Fair Association once again has experienced the generosity of the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show patrons, and local families will benefit for months to come.

Monday night at the Fair, patrons donated 8,592 pounds of food (4.296 tons), which already has been weighted and inventoried by Second Harvest Food Bank. The collection is enough to feed nearly 300 families of four for several days. 

This week’s collection represented the fourth year The Volusia County Fair Association has included a nonperishable food donation as part of its discount admissions offerings. Since 2009, 25,317 pounds (12.66 tons) of food have been donated at the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show.

Thank you to all our Fair patrons who contributed to this impressive collection! So many families will benefit from your generosity.

Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Volusia County Fair

TONIGHT IS "Volusia Recycles Night" at the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show. Bring a recyclable can and receive $1 off gate admission. $15 ride bracelets are available until midway closes. And, the Market Steer Show will begin at 7 p.m. in the Livestock Pavilion.

If you bring in the recyclable can, your gate admission will be $7 for ages 13-up, $4 for ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under!

Gates open at 4 p.m. today, and the midway (rides and games) will get geared up at 7 p.m.

If you're hankering for some live entertainment today, you're in luck! On the Center Circle Stage, you'll find Yesterdaze playing at 6 and 8 p.m., and Steve Bayner hypnotizing folks at 7 and 9 p.m.

At the West Gate entrance, Check out the Dis-Connected K's at 6 and 9 p.m., the Kandu Magic Show at 5 and 8 p.m.; the Petting Zoo from 4-10 p.m.; and Rollover and Seat Belt Simulators from 4-10 p.m.

At the South Gate entrance, check out GASCAR at 6 and 8 p.m., and the Sea Lion Splash at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.

It's all happening at the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show!

Tuesday, Nov. 6 is Senior Citizens Day, Student Day and $1 Ride Night

It's Senior Citizens Day at the Fair! Gates open at 11 a.m. Are you 55 or older? If so, enjoy $6 gate admission until 7 p.m. (All others are regular price.) MIDWAY (RIDES / GAMES) OPENS AT 5 P.M.

 

Don't miss The Lettermen in concert at 4 and 7 p.m.; the concert is free with gate admission. Today is also Student Day, so students 18 and under are admitted FREE until 7 p.m.

 

PLUS, it's $1 ride night; all rides are $1 until midway closes (ride wristbands cannot be used tonight). And, be sure to cheer on our youth at the Market Swine Show, planned for 7 p.m. in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion.

Monday, Nov. 5 at the Volusia County Fair!

$12 ride wristbands!
1/2 price admission with nonperishable food item donations!

IT'S MCDONALD'S FAMILY NIGHT AT THE FAIR!

And this means...you get free McD's samples AND great deals on admission and ride bracelets, plus we're gathering nonperishables for local food pantries at the gate. HERE'S THE SCOOP:

Gates open at 4 p.m. and midway (rides/games) cranks up at 5. If you bring two cans of food for Second Harvest, you'll get in for half price! Ride bracelets are $12, sold and usable from opening to closing. Plus, be sure to cheer on the youth show participants in the the Market Lamb Show at 7 p.m. at the Townsend Livestock Pavilion.

Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Volusia County Fair!

It's a beautiful day for the Volusia County Fair...It's News-Journal family day! Ride bracelets are $20, and the gate opens at 11 a.m. (Ride bracelets are good all day, but must be purchased by 7 p.m.) And, don't forget the amateur talent show at 7 p.m. in the Tommy Lawrence Arena!

Saturday, Nov. 3 at The Fair!

Join us TODAY for Florida Dairy Farmers Day and milk sampling at Ag Venture! Gates open at 11 a.m. (midway gears up 1 hour later) and the fun carries through until midway closes late tonight. There will be a European/Continental Cross Bred Beef Breeding show at 3 p.m. and the Florida Commercial Brahman Influence show at 6 p.m. -- both in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion.

Tracy Lawrence is live in concert, free with gate admission at 8 p.m. in the Tommy Lawrence Arena! Seating is limited. Ride bracelets are also available for $25 until 7 p.m., good until the midway closes.

Friday, Nov. 2 at the Fair: It's WESH.COM night!

Gates open at 4 p.m. (the midway -- rides/games) open at 5 p.m., and $20 ride bracelets will be sold from 5 - 9 p.m. (The ticket kiosks now take credit cards!)

---> Remember, too: Today is the last day ride bracelets will be for sale at Walgreens stores for $15. Tonight, be sure to to swing by the Breeding Ewe Show at 7 p.m. at the Townsend Livestock Pavilion. Let's cheer on our youth show participants. They've been working hard!

Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Fair!

Progress Energy and Brighthouse Networks present opening night free gate admission at 4 p.m. TOMORROW NIGHT! The midway opens 1 hour after the gate. The opening ceremony will take place at the Tommy Lawrence Arena at 7 p.m. A $15 ride bracelet is good until midway closes. (The ticket kiosks now take major credit cards!) Following the ceremony is the Miss Volusia County Fair presented by Kitchen Craft at 7:30. The Breeding Swine Show will also be held at 7 p.m. at the Townsend Livestock Pavilion. Check out the entire schedule! -----> 

Wondering about the hours of this year's Volusia County Fair & Youth Show?

The Volusia County Fair & Youth Show opens at 4 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9; at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 and 10; and Tuesday, Nov. 6, Sunday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The Fair remains open until midway closes, with the exception of Sunday, Nov. 11 when closing is at 9 p.m.

Volusia County Fair Video: $15 Ride Wristbands now at Walgreens!

November Youth Show prep gears up in October animal health testing and entry deadlines

Youth planning on participating in the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show, which opens to the public Nov. 1-11, will want to make note of these important October events.

Saturday, Oct. 13 is the health certificate testing event for youth show animals. Breeding swine health certificate testing will be from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at $25 per animal, while goats and sheep will be tested from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. at $15 per animal. Youth showing breeding animals in the Nov. 1-11 event should also attend the Barn Work Day, being held in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion from 9 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.

2011 Miss Volusia County Fair
Cheyenne Davis

Begin the hunt for your pageant dress: The Miss Volusia County Fair Competition is about to take to the runway! Entry forms are being accepted at the Fair office until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. Contestants must be a resident of Volusia County and between the ages of 16-21, and applicants younger than 18 years of age must have the signed permission of a parent or legal guardian.

A mandatory Miss Volusia County Fair rehearsal starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21. All qualifying contestants will compete on Opening Night of the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show (Nov. 1) in the Tommy Lawrence Arena. The winner will be crowned Miss Volusia County Fair Queen, take home $500, a trophy, assist with the livestock shows at the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show, as well as various Volusia County Fair Association events during the year.

Entry forms for Miss Volusia County Fair are available online at www.volusiacountyfair.com in the Exhibitor Handbook or at the fair office.

The Amateur Talent Show auditions will be 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, in the Tommy Lawrence Arena. Entry forms must be in the Fair office by Friday, Oct. 5. The Amateur Talent Show will be Sunday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Tommy Lawrence Arena.

Entry forms for Community Art Exhibits are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct.5, to the fair office (drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Exhibits include creative arts, adult sewing, fine arts, photography, and more.

www.volusiacountyfair.com
www.facebook.com/volusiacountyfair
www.Twitter.com/vcfair 

Model Train Show Oct. 6 and Bead Show Oct. 13-14

While also gearing up for The South’s Greatest County Fair onNov. 1-11, the Volusia County fairgrounds are in full swing with additional events during October, including a Model Train and Railroad Artifact Show on October 6, and Bead Show the weekend of October 13.

Model Train and Railroad Artifact Show returns from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 with displays of hundreds of model items, various antiques, and much more inside the Tommy Lawrence Arena. Admission is $6 for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

On Oct. 13 and 14, the Down the Street Bead Show returns to the Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. The show includes more than 30 vendors dedicated exclusively to beads and jewelry, and features vintage glass beads, Austrian crystal, quality freshwater pearls, sterling pendants, and more. Also available are jewelry classes including fused glass and woven bracelets. The show is open to the public, and admission is $5. For a complete list of classes, visit the show’s website at www.downthestreetbeadshow.com.

August at the Fairgrounds: Derby race, cat show and Wild West fundraiser

As the Central Florida temperatures continue to heat up, so does the action at the Volusia County Fairgrounds! This August, the Fairgrounds’ schedule includes competition by the Thunder City Roller Derby (the team’s last bout of the season), fabulous felines competing for love and prizes in the six-ring Tropical Cat Show, and a wildly popular Junior Service League fundraiser.

On Saturday, Aug. 11, The Thunder City Derby Sirens return to their Saturday night venue as they compete against the Gold Coast Derby Grrls at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $8 (www.derbysirens.com) or $10 at the door. Tickets for children ages 6 and up are half-price, while children 5 and under are admitted free.

The Tropical Cat Show returns to the Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children age 7 and up (children under 7 are admitted free).  Family ticket packages are available for $15; for details, visit www.catshows.us.

The Tropical Cat Show is a six-ring CFA all-breed cat and household pet show, with a 225-entry limit. Judges Don Williams, Wayne Trevathan, Barbara Summer, Rachel Anger, Carla Bizzell and Vicki Abelson will dole out rosettes and ribbons to winning entries.

The Junior Service League of DeLand is holding its popular Wild West fundraising event at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 25. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Tommy Lawrence Arena. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door, and are available from Junior Service League members or through several DeLand-based businesses, including Mainstreet Community Bank (Downtown DeLand branch) and Quality Quickprint. Visit www.jsofdeland.org for details.

Youths planning to show livestock during the Nov. 1-11 Volusia County Fair & Youth Show are reminded to register their livestock at the Fairgrounds by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31.  Entry forms must have an attached bill of sale, a notarized waiver and a livestock-owner certificate. Incomplete and late entry forms will not be accepted; photocopying is not available at the Fair office and all documents should be completed in advance. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Fair office at (386) 734-9514 with questions regarding livestock entries.

Volusia County Fair announces 2012 headlining acts

The 68th annual Volusia County Fair & Youth Show in DeLand has announced the 2012 Fair Concert Series for the “South’s Greatest County Fair.” From Nov. 1 – Nov. 11, 2012, fans are invited to gather their friends and family and head on over to the Fairgrounds for three amazing performances: Tracy Lawrence, The Letterman and The Farm.  Concerts during the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show are free with gate admission, and limited general admission seating is available for all performances. 

Tracy Lawrence kicks off the 2012 Volusia County Fair Concert Series at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. Performing his first hits “Paint Me a Birmingham" and "Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” to "Renegades, Rebels and Rogues" and the soundtrack of the movie “Maverick,” Lawrence will have fans singing along and dancing in the aisles. Lawrence is credited with four consecutive No. 1 hits – "Alibis," "Can't Break it to My Heart," "My Second Home," and "If the Good Die Young" – and continues to thrill fans around the world.

At 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, The Lettermen will be performing on the Fair’s annual “Senior Day.”  While letter sweaters may make only a brief appearance, The Lettermen harmony promises to make a non-stop showing. From their first hit "The Way You Look Tonight" (1961), through current hits of today, the group’s sound remains distinct. Eighteen gold albums and scores of top singles attest to The Lettermen’s popularity and a style that generations have enjoyed.

The Letterman brought words to the Percy Faith hit, "Theme From A Summer Place," revived the classic Charlie Chaplin song, "Smile,” warmed us with "Our Winter Love,” and  begged, "Come Back Silly Girl.” In 1966, The Letterman produced one of the most loved holiday albums ever recorded, "For Christmas This Year.” Late 1967 brought about a live album, and arguably the group's most loved and requested hit, "Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You.”

Rounding out this year’s concerts will be up-and-coming group The Farm, set to perform on Saturday, Nov.10 at 8 p.m. The group’s hit “Home Sweet Home,” is climbing the charts; its debut, album The Farm, Inc., launched July 17.

In many ways, The Farm is a hybrid act: a trio deeply rooted in country music, which also folds in sonic elements from a variety of popular-music genres. All the while, however, the group has solid vocal harmony at its core.

 

Volusia County Fair wins state award!

At the annual convention of the Florida Federation of Fairs in St. Augustine this May, the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show was once again named a “Blue Ribbon Fair.”  This designation shows the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show is a top fair in the state that excels in a rigorous judging process and is an award the Fair has received annually since 2001.

The mission of the Florida Federation of Fairs is to increase the overall quality of Florida's Agricultural Fairs, provide the members the support and guidance needed to enlighten our youth and fairgoers on agriculture, trade, entertainment and the heritage of Florida.

For additional information about the award of the Florida Federation of Fairs, please contact Thom Giordano, Volusia County Fair & Youth Show marketing director, at (386) 734-9515.

Volusia County Fair & Expo Center Welcomes Railroad Show and Sirens Roller Derby this July

Summer in Central Florida just got a bit faster! Rolling into the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center July 14 will be the Railroad Show & Sale, and the Red, White & Bruised Thunder City Derby Sirens Roller Derby. Plus, July 2 kicks off preparations for the 2012 Volusia County Fair as applications will start being accepted for community arts and horticulture exhibits during the Nov. 1-11 event.

With only five months remaining until the 2012 Volusia County Fair & Expo, now is the time to submit applications for all divisions in livestock, baked goods, creative arts, sewing, canning, photography, Amateur Talent Show, Miss Volusia County Fair, and horticulture exhibits, including bees and honey.

Applicants are encouraged to turn in all paperwork during Fair office hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) now through October 5 except for all Livestock being due August 31, 2012. For a complete list of entries and exhibitions, contact the Volusia County Fair office at (386) 734-9515 or download the 2012 Exhibitor, Livestock and Small Animal Handbooks from the Fair’s website, www.volusiacountyfair.com.

The 40th Annual Florida Rail Show & Sale returns to the Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14. More than 200 tables of model trains and railroad collectibles will be for sale and viewing. Visit www.gserr.com for more details and a $1 off admission coupon.

The Sirens Roller Derby returns to the Fairgrounds at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 14. Spectators can enjoy some swift competition between the Thunder City Derby Sirens and Dub City, which begins at 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are half-price, while children age 5 and under are admitted free. Visit www.derbysirens.com for more information and to purchase tickets. 

June brings Youth Show contenders, Roller Derby and Health Fair to the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center

Year-round activities at the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center continue this June with Youth Show livestock weigh-ins, a Roller Derby, and the 6^th annual Univision community health fair.

The 2012 Volusia County Fair & Youth Show may be six months away, but for school-aged participants looking to show their livestock and small animals in the Nov. 1-11 competition, the time to start preparing is now. Youngsters interested in showing their livestock or small animals in the 2012 Volusia County Fair are encouraged to turn in all paperwork during Fair office hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) from June 1 through August 31. Competitors are encouraged to call the Fair office at (386) 734-9515 for more details.

On a similar note, the first 2012 market steer weigh-in will be Saturday, June 9, from 8 – 10 a.m. Entry forms, waivers, and fees for participants in the 2012 Volusia County Fair & Youth Show are due at that time.  Spectators are welcome and admission and parking is free.

Do you love bunnies? If you do, you'll probably enjoy seeing the cutest, fluffiest, most loved ones around at the Florida Rabbit & Cavy Show that begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, and concludes when all animals are judged. The event is hosted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, which serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. Parking and admission are free, and the event is open to the public.

It's Roller Derby Night at the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center again on Saturday, June 9! Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and competition between the Thunder City Derby Sirens and Lakeland Derby Dames begins at 7 p.m.  Adult tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance. Children ages 6-12 are half-price, children age 5 and under are admitted free. Visit www.derbysirens.com for more event information and tickets.

The 6^th annual Feria de Salud y Comunidad “Community Health Fair” will be from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23, inside the Tommy Lawrence Arena.  The free health event is expected to attract 2,500, and its purpose is to provide health information and community resources to the community. 

Orchid Show May 12 - 13 at the Fairgrounds

Don't forget the Volusia County Orchid Society Show and Sale this weekend at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, presented by the Volusia County Orchid Society.

The event will be Saturday and Sunday, May 12-13, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Great plants and custom floral arrangements at very low prices. Go to www.vcosonline.org for your $1-off admission coupon.

Happy Mother's Day!

39th Annual Model Train and Railroad Artifact Show Returns April 14

April 14 marks the return of the annual Model Train and Railroad Artifact Show at Volusia County Fairgrounds. The event, now in its 39th year, will take place inside the Tommy Lawrence Arena from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $7 for ages 12 and up, and free for children under 12. Plenty of free parking is available.
The Model Train and Railroad Artifact show is Florida’s largest combination show for “modelers” and “rail buffs”. With more than 200 tables at each show on average, patrons can expect to see models from past and present such as Lionel, American Flyer, LGB, Marklin or Ives Trains. Enthusiasts may also find dining-car china, lanterns, switch locks and keys, calendars, timetables or any other artifacts utilized by railroads.

The event is organized and promoted by Golden Spike Enterprises Inc., which also organizes the two-day January show at the Fairgrounds, typically welcoming 100 vendors and 2,500 guests. Attendees of the April 14 Model Train and Railroad Artifact Show will be able to relive the glory days of railroading in Florida when the Seaboard Railroad, Florida East Coast Railroad and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad were king.

For more information about the 39th Annual Model Train and Railroad Artifact Show, please contact Alan Altman at (813) 949-7197, Charles Miller at (386) 736-8185, or visit www.gserr.com for more information.

March brings crafters, bikers and coin collectors to Volusia County Fairgrounds

February has Valentine’s Day, but what’s not to love about March? March will be another busy month at the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center, including the Down the Street Bead Show & Sale, Bike Week camping, an Antique Motorcycle Auction and the returning Coin Show & Sale.

The Down the Street Bead Show & Sale starts the month off, returning to the Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, March 3, and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4.  For an entrance fee of $5, bead lovers and crafters can purchase beads and findings of all varieties, take classes on topics that cover doll-making and soldering, or shop the handmade jewelry from a variety of artists and vendors.  Download a $1-off coupon from www.downthestreetbeadshow.com.

ABATE of Florida is organizing Bike Week camping at the Fairgrounds, and gates will be open from noon Friday, March 9, to noon Sunday, March 18. General admission fees start at $15 plus tax per day, or $90 plus tax for the full week. No reservations are necessary. Visit www.abateflorida.com/bikeweek.php for more information.

From Wednesday, March 14, through Friday, March 16, the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center will be hosting J Wood and Company’s 25^th annual Antique Motorcycle Auction, where bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts can meet to buy and sell vintage motorcycles. On March 15, patrons can participate in an auction for parts and memorabilia, and participate in a bike auction March 16.  Visit www.jwoodandcompany.com for schedule updates.  

The Coin Sale & Show will be in town Friday, March 16, through Sunday, March 18, beginning at 9 a.m. Coin collectors can browse and buy coin exhibitions and other related supplies. 

Crafts, RVs and Cats fill February Volusia County Fair and Expo Center Calendar

November’s Volusia County Fair has come and gone, but the Expo Center on S.R. 44 in DeLand knows no downtime, and February 2012 is no exception. From Feb. 1 through 26, the facility is hosting weekly events, including Senior Expo on Feb. 1, the Buckler Craft Fair Feb. 4 and 5, Florida’s RV Sale & Show February 16 - 19 and the Cat Club of Palm Beaches February 25 - 26.  

Volusia County Fair & Expo Center is kicking off the month with the West Volusia Senior Expo; it’s an opportunity for visitors to meet local businesses to learn more about their products and services. Seminars, giveaways, health screenings, demos, entertainment and more run from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.  Admission and parking are free.

The Buckler Craft Fair is returning to the Fair & Expo Center from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, and 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Admission for adults is $6 and free for children. Buckler’s visitors will enjoy free parking; and those who donate a canned good can receive $3 dollars off one adult ticket.  Buckler Craft Fair offers patrons a wide variety of merchandise, such as jewelry, furniture, clothing, and toys, plus handmade fudge and gourmet foods.  For more information, visit www.bucklercraftfair.com.

The Florida RV Sale and Show, one of the Florida Trade Association’s most popular RV events, returns from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 19. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 16 and under. To learn more about the RV Trade Association and its events, visit www.frvta.org.

The Cat Club of Palm Beaches will be visiting the Volusia County Fair Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26. The Cat Club of Palm Beaches will be presenting their 10-ring, all-breed cat show. Show hours begin 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday; Sunday’s show hours are 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Check-in time for participants is Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Visit www.cfasouthern.com/shows.html for more information.